Press Release No. 11/63

Press Release: IMF, Mali to co-host Conference to Discuss Economic Challenges and Opportunities

March 3, 2011

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Government of Mali will co-host a conference on March 17-18, 2011 in Bamako to explore best ways of forging a strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth in Mali. The event will bring together more than 100 participants from the private sector, civil society, trade unions, parliament, the public sector and the development community with the goal of forging a common vision for growth in Mali in the 21st century.

The conference “Mali: Challenges and Economic Opportunities” will reflect on the lessons learnt from economic policy over the past few years. Participants will also seek to make recommendations for how to help Mali reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The conference is being held as the current Fund arrangement with Mali under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Mali enters in its last year and the authorities are drafting a new Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy for 2012-2016 in close cooperation with all stakeholders in the country’s development.

“We are very much looking forward to listening to all our partners in Mali as we discuss the country’s economic challenges and opportunities. The IMF has had a constructive dialogue with Malian authorities and the conference is an opportunity to broaden this dialogue to all those involved in Mali’s development,” said Antoinette Sayeh, Director of the IMF’s African Department. “The Bamako conference offers an opportunity for all stakeholders to explore ways to improve the quality of life of Malian citizens.”

The discussions will focus on human resources development, infrastructure, natural resources, the business environment, the financial sector, public financial management, and the MDGs.