The delegations of Serbia and the IMF held a final meeting today, and the Minister of Finance, Sinisa Mali, said that the state reacted well during the pandemic, and the IMF representatives praised the Program of economic measures to support the economy.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the final meeting was attended by Minister Mali and the Governor of the National Bank of Serbia Jorgovanka Tabakovic, while the IMF Delegation was led by the Head of Mission Jan Kees Martijn.
This is a semi-annual revision of the program, which is being held via video link, and which will be the subject of adoption by the IMF board of directors in Washington, reports Tanjug.
The meeting concluded that the implementation of the current arrangement is proceeding within the planned deadlines, and that it is important to adapt to the new circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mali assessed that within the current arrangement, which is being successfully implemented, important reform goals have been achieved, and that the Government will continue with the implementation of reforms.
He also pointed out that the state reacted well during the crisis caused by the corona virus, and saved the private sector, and now it is important that the economy continues to function well and that jobs are saved. He also points out that the data from the first quarter are encouraging, which will have a positive effect on the result at the end of this year.
The IMF representatives pointed out that it is important to continue supporting the economy, but also to maintain macroeconomic and financial stability.
IMF representatives also stressed the importance of continuing structural reforms, in terms of tax administration reform, public sector employment, wage reform, public enterprises and capital market development.
They praised the progress in terms of closing the transaction for Komercijalna Banka, which is expected by the end of the year.
This is the fourth semi-annual review of the Policy Management Instrument arrangement, which was approved in July 2018 and does not imply financial support, but is exclusively of an advisory nature. The next, last mission within the current program is planned for October, Mondo writes.
