Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The total external debt of Uzbekistan as of 1 July reached US$27.6 billion, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan reports.

The volume of total external debt increased by 12.7% compared to the beginning of 2020, or by US$3.1 billion.

According to the regulator, the state external debt in January-June 2020 increased by US$1.7 billion and reached US$17.4 billion.

At the same time, the debt of the private sector reached US$10.1 billion, which is US$1.4 billion more compared to the beginning of 2020.

It should be noted that in the first half of 2020, the private sector attracted loans totaling US$2.1 billion. Borrowings were mainly carried out by banks - US$1.8 billion, textile enterprises - US$71 million and enterprises of other sectors of the economy - US$154 million

At the same time, during the period under review on the state external debt, the repayment of the principal debt and interest was carried out in the amount of US$261 million and US$168 million, respectively.

Payments on private external debt reached US$719 million on principal and US$195 million on interest. At the same time, the enterprises of the oil and gas and energy, as well as the banking sector continue to make the largest volume of payments both on the principal and on interest.