The external debt of the Philippines rose by 4.5% and hit a record high of $111.27 billion last year, as both the national government and the private sector borrowed more from offshore creditors, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
BSP Governor Felipe Medalla says the increase in borrowings was necessary to finance public and private sector spending for pandemic recovery measures, as well as to sustain enhanced business and commercial activity.
The Philippines has maintained its strong rebound from the pandemic-induced recession as its gross domestic product (GDP) accelerated by 7.6% last year, slightly exceeding the government’s 6.5-7.5% target.
Read the article HERE.
Add Comment