Minister of Finance and Economy Mladjan Dinkic stated that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is ready to negotiate a new arrangement with Serbia.
The Ministry says in a statement that following a meeting with IMF Director of the European Department Reza Moghadam, Dinkic said they agreed to be in technical contact with their mission in Serbia as of 15 October.
We will present a complete draft for the 2013 budget and I am certain that we will have no trouble agreeing on it. Afterwards, we can expect a visit of the official IMF mission in Belgrade to close a new arrangement favourable for Serbia, Dinkic observed.
Dinkic, who is attending the annual meeting of the IMF Boards of Governors and the World Bank Group in Tokyo, also met with World Bank Vice President Philippe Le Houerou.
Le Houerou affirmed that the World Bank has prepared $300 million for budget support to Serbia.
Dinkic voiced his pleasure at the meeting with Le Houerou, adding that apart from the $300 million, the World Bank wants to endorse the programme of structural reforms in the economy and efforts to improve the business ambience and cut down red tape in terms of issuing construction licences.
He added that a condition for this programme to become operational is a new arrangement between Serbia and the IMF.
Governor of the National Bank of Serbia Jorgovanka Tabakovic also attended the meeting, the statement adds.
Source Serbia Gov.
