Press Release No. 09/192

Press Release: Statement at the Conclusion of an IMF Technical Assistance Mission to Zimbabwe

May 29, 2009

A team of experts from the Monetary and Capital Markets Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), led by S. Erik Oppers, visited Zimbabwe during May 18–29, 2009 to provide technical assistance in the areas of (i) payments systems; (ii) banking supervision and lender-of-last-resort operations; and (iii) central bank accounting and governance.

The mission met with senior officials and representatives of the banking and business communities to discuss recent efforts to address challenges in these areas and to identify possible solutions to outstanding technical issues. Upon its return to headquarters, the mission will finalize a report on its findings and recommendations and submit it to the government. The mission would like to thank the authorities for productive discussions and warm hospitality.

The IMF Executive Board approved the provision of targeted technical assistance to Zimbabwe on May 4, 2009 (see Press Release No. 09/152).