IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Serbia
IMF News, March 16, 2018
Source details
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- IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Serbia
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Bibliographic details
- Published: March 16, 2018
Mission overview
- Press Release No. 18/89
- Date: March 16, 2018
- Mission leader: James Roaf
- Mission dates: March 12-16, 2018
- Purpose: To initiate discussions with Serbian policymakers on a new economic reform program to be supported by the IMF.
- Format note: End-of-Mission press releases convey preliminary findings after a visit; the views expressed are those of IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. This mission will not result in a Board discussion.
Key findings and policy priorities discussed
- Context:
- Serbia successfully completed the 2015-18 precautionary Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF.
- The authorities confirmed interest in a new program focused on maintaining fiscal and macroeconomic stability and advancing reforms for faster, more inclusive and sustainable private sector-led growth.
- Proposed instrument:
- The program is expected to be supported by a Policy Coordination Instrument, a non-financing arrangement recently introduced in the IMF to provide a framework for policy advice and monitoring in countries which do not need IMF financial support.
- Broad macroeconomic objectives and policy priorities discussed:
- Tackle the grey economy.
- Increase public and private investment.
- Strengthen fiscal institutions.
- Ensure financial sector support for growth.
- Mission statement (excerpt from Mr. Roaf):
- “Following Serbia’s successful completion of the 2015-18 precautionary Stand-By Arrangement with the IMF, the authorities confirmed their interest in a new program focused on maintaining fiscal and macroeconomic stability and advancing reforms to reach faster, more inclusive and sustainable private sector-led growth.
- The authorities and the mission had productive discussions on the broad macroeconomic objectives and policy priorities of the new program, including to tackle the grey economy, increase public and private investment, strengthen fiscal institutions and ensure financial sector support for growth. The mission is planning to return to Belgrade in May to discuss specific policy measures to be included in the program.
- The mission team is grateful for the authorities’ hospitality and close cooperation.”
Next steps
- The mission is planning to return to Belgrade in May to discuss specific policy measures to be included in the program.
Contact and logistics
- IMF Communications Department
- MEDIA RELATIONS
- PRESS OFFICER: Wiktor Krzyzanowski
- Phone: +1 202 623-7100
- Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
Press Release No. 18/89, March 16, 2018.