Russian Fiance Ministry on preparations for Eurobond offering

Russian Deputy Finance Minister Sergei Storchak said the ministry plans to prepare documents for a Eurobond offering in March.

"Usually, the whole package of documents is ready by mid-March, sometime by the end of March. This year, I think, we will try to do it earlier. And after that, if markets are favorable," Prime agency cited the deputy minister as saying.

The ministry has not yet decided on the currency of the possible Eurobond in 2019, Storchak said, adding that this will not necessarily be euros again.

He added that investor appetite for Russian Eurobonds is high, and only the geopolitical situation may stand in the way Russia’s placement in 2019. The official noted that the ministry also keeps plans to make borrowings in yuan.

 In addition, Storchak said the ministry is considering options to improve the instrument of inflation-tied OFZ bonds and seeks to raise investor interest in it.