Press Release No. 19/37

Statement by IMF Deputy Managing Director Tao Zhang on Meeting with Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit

February 12, 2019

Mr. Tao Zhang, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), met yesterday with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit in Roseau. Following the meeting, Mr. Zhang made the following statement:

“It is my pleasure to visit Dominica for the first time. I would like to thank Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, members of the cabinet, and representatives of the business community of Dominica for their warm welcome and the frank and candid discussions.

“During our meeting, Prime Minister Skeritt and I discussed economic developments in Dominica. I also had an opportunity to visit some of the resilience-building projects being undertaken by Dominica. I commended the Prime Minister and the people of Dominica for their steely resolve in making a rapid recovery from the massive devastation caused by hurricane Maria.

“In our conversation, we agreed on the importance of strengthening resilience to climate change and natural disasters by placing a greater focus on preparedness and adaptation efforts. Prime Minister Skerrit and I also discussed the issue of derisking or the loss of correspondent banking relationships, and how the IMF will partner with countries in the region in finding durable solutions to address this challenge. We at the IMF value our relationship with Dominica and remain committed to continue supporting it and its people to build a stronger and resilient economy.”