Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at the Conclusion of a Visit to the Central African Republic
IMF News, January 25, 2017
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- Published: January 25, 2017
Visit summary
- Issued in Bangui at the conclusion of a visit to the Central African Republic.
- Press Release No. 17/22
- Date: January 25, 2017
- Ms. Christine Lagarde met with President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, Finance and Budget minister Henri-Marie Dondra, and BEAC national director for the CAR, Ali Chaibou.
- Addressed the national assembly and met with women leaders, students, and the grassroots nonprofit Voix du Coeur.
Key findings and impressions
- “President Touadéra’s commitment to promote economic development, and reduce poverty in a fragile environment is commendable.”
- “Stakeholders’ determination to lay the needed foundations for robust and inclusive growth is impressive.”
- Visited Voix du Coeur, which “provides care, home and social reintegration to vulnerable children.”
- Expressed “profound appreciation to the government and people of the Central African Republic for welcoming me so warmly to their country.”
Policy recommendations and priorities
- Promoting economic development and reducing poverty will require:
- scaling up pro-poor and investement spending,
- raising domestic revenues,
- strengthening public financial management.
IMF support and financial commitments
- “The IMF will continue to support these efforts, including through our recently approved loan of US$116 million.”
- Noted a donor pledge: “A US$ 2.0 billion pledge by donors in November in support of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan (NRPP) is another welcome development.”
Engagements and acknowledgements
- Thanked President Touadéra for discussions on the country’s economic challenges and ambitious agenda to reduce widespread poverty and foster national reconciliation.
- Thanked Finance and Budget minister Henri-Marie Dondra and BEAC national director for the CAR, Ali Chaibou, for their hospitality.
- Welcomed opportunity to hear directly from women leaders and students about their vision and aspirations for the CAR.
Statement by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at the Conclusion of a Visit to the Central African Republic — Press Release No. 17/22, January 25, 2017