Belarus to place Eurobonds in Russia

MINSK, July 30 (Itar-Tass) -- Following the first Eurobond placement
in Europe Belarus now eyes Russian and Asian securities markets, according
to National Bank Board Chairman Petr Prokopovich.
He told a press conference on Thursday the "test placement" in Russia
in August will be insignificant as Belarus wants to probe the Russian
reaction.
"I do not believe it will be a major amount. It will be a test
placement and the sum will comprise 100-200 million dollars. We want to
probe the attitude of the Russian market to our securities, to accumulate
experience, create a credit history, and continue placements if
necessary," Prokopovich said.
Belarussian Finance Minister Andrei Kharkovets said two days ago
Belarus had placed Eurobonds on the European market worth 600 million
dollars with a five-year maturity and 8.75 percent annual interest.
Prokopovich said Eurobond placement will be the main form of foreign
borrowings.
"We have placed the first Eurobonds on the European market. Tomorrow
we shall do it on the Russian market. I believe we shall come to the Asian
securities market this year or early next year," he said.