12 December, Minsk /BelTA/. The National Bank of the Republic of Belarus is increasing the refinancing rate by 5 percentage points from today, from 40% to 45% per annum. The corresponding resolution No. 564 of 6 December 2011 was adopted by the Board of the National Bank, BelTA was informed by the Information Department of the National Bank. At the same time, the interest rates on operations to support bank liquidity are increased to 70% per annum in accordance with the protocol of the Monetary Policy Committee of the National Bank of 6 December 2011 No. 53. The Information Department noted that the further tightening of monetary policy is driven by the need to consolidate positive trends in the country's balance of payments and foreign exchange market. In addition, this measure will help reduce inflationary and devaluation expectations in the economy, which will become an additional factor in limiting the pace of price growth. The National Bank will continue to monitor the situation in the economy and the monetary sphere and make necessary decisions in the area of interest rate policy. The last time the refinancing rate in Belarus was increased was from 11 November, from 35% to 40% per annum, and the interest rates on operations to support bank liquidity were increased from 25 November to 65% per annum. -0-

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