Press Release: IMF Executive Board Completes First Review Under Guatemala’s Stand-By Arrangement

September 24, 2009

Press Release No. 09/326
September 24, 2009

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund today completed the first review of Guatemala’s economic performance under the 18-month Stand-By Arrangement. The arrangement, in the amount of SDR 630.6 million (about US$1 billion) was approved in April 22, 2009 (see Press Release No. 09/142).

With completion of the review, a total of SDR 462.4 million (about US$734 million) will be available for drawing. The Guatemalan authorities intend to continue treating the arrangement as precautionary.

The authorities’ economic program for 2009–10, supported by the current arrangement, aims at mitigating the impact of the global crisis. The strategy is centered on four pillars: a moderate fiscal stimulus to support domestic demand; a monetary policy focused on meeting the inflation target and a flexible exchange rate to facilitate economic adjustment; a strengthening of financial sector policies to increase banking sector resilience and enhance its safety net and resolution procedures; and a refocusing of public expenditures toward social spending and public investment.

Following the Executive Board discussion on Guatemala, Mr. Murilo Portugal, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“After a solid economic performance in recent years, the Guatemalan economy is being negatively affected by the global crisis. Economic growth is slowing owing to lower domestic and external demand, reflected in lower exports, remittances, tourism receipts and capital inflows. The authorities are to be commended for their strong program implementation in a difficult environment, and for responding appropriately to the economic slowdown.

“Fiscal policy is striking a balance between supporting demand and maintaining fiscal sustainability. With revenues falling due to lower imports and weak domestic demand, the fiscal deficit target in the program has been revised upward in 2009 and 2010 as the authorities’ aim at protecting spending on social programs.

“Rekindling the fiscal reform agenda is essential to preserve sustainable debt dynamics. Revenue-enhancing reforms are at the core of a strategy to address social and infrastructure needs, enhance the capacity to adopt countercyclical policies, and boost confidence in the authorities’ capacity to stabilize the public debt-to-GDP ratio at moderate levels. Given the withdrawal of the indirect tax reform from Congress, the plan to pursue a revenue reform is welcome. In addition, curtailing tax exemptions, including those associated with the law on free trade zones, will be key to safeguard fiscal revenue and ensure a level playing field.

“The gradual easing of the monetary policy stance has balanced the goals of supporting demand and avoiding disorderly exchange rate movements. Monetary policy has scope to support domestic demand as long as inflation remains subdued and there are no external pressures. Exchange rate flexibility has facilitated the adjustment of the economy to the external shock and should be preserved, while safeguarding international reserves.

“The financial system has weathered the economic slowdown well, and the authorities are committed to moving ahead with banking sector reforms. Congressional approval and a decisive implementation of the proposed amendments to the banking law will reduce risks from offshore operations and connected lending, enhance the enforcement powers of the superintendency of banks, and improve bank resolution procedures.” Mr. Portugal said.

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