On April 19 Christopher Lane started work as the International Monetary Fund Resident Representative in Georgia. Following on from Mr. Hunter Monroe, Mr. Lane is the third representative since the IMF office in Georgia opened in 1994. Previously Mr. Lane's assignments in the IMF involved the programs for Russia (1994-97), Lithuania and Egypt. He was born and educated in the United Kingdom and arrived in Tbilisi with his wife, Sara, and son.

Mr. Lane explains why he came to Georgia, his first impressions and his work objectives:

"I am honoured to have the opportunity to be the IMF Representative in Georgia at the invitation of the Georgian Government. It was a personal decision to move here, made in view of Georgia's determined steps over the past four years towards a stable and prosperous economy. Also, Georgia's unique cultural heritage and rich history are factors which encouraged me to take up the post here.

Since arriving, I have met with the President, key government officials, parliamentarians, business leaders, representatives of international organizations, and overseas donors, to discuss the central issues facing the Georgian economy. The discussions have been both informative and constructive and I am grateful for the warm reception and encouraging words of welcome I have received.

Looking ahead, I see my aims as Resident Representative to be:

• Assisting the Ministry of Finance and other governmental departments in delivering a sound budget, including timely payment of wages and pensions, and developing a fair and transparent tax system.

• Assisting the National Bank of Georgia in maintaining low inflation, a stable exchange rate, and building confidence in the lari and the banking system.

• Ensuring a constructive dialogue between the IMF and the Georgian authorities as well as with the representatives of different circles of Georgian society.

On this last point, my Georgian staff and I are preparing for an IMF mission, scheduled for May 10^th-20^th which will review progress of the Government's economic program which is being supported by the IMF."