KIEV, Dec. 13 - The National Bank of Ukraine has forecast that total external borrowing on the part of Ukrainian companies and banks in 2008 will reach $28 billion, doubling the anticipated figure for 2007, the Ukrainian business newspaper Economic News reported, citing a National Bank statement.

"The National Bank forecast borrowing by Ukrainian companies and banks at $28 billion, which is double what is forecast for the current year. Total confirmed plans for borrowing in the first half [of 2008] on the part of major Ukrainian corporations and banks already exceeds $10 billion," the statement said.