The representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said this institution supports the Tunisian experience, noting “the importance of preserving the general balances «to achieve higher economic growth, “said a statement from the Ministry of Public Works, released Tuesday.
The Minister of Public Works, Housing and Spatial Planning Mohamed Salah Arfaoui met on Monday in Tunis, with a delegation of IMF officials, as part of the latter’s visit to Tunisia in order to consult with the Tunisian authorities on the evolution of the economic and financial situation in the country.
The visit of the IMF delegation comes also with a view to discussing the economic policies adopted and the progress of the implementation of the agreed structural reforms and based on which it will decide on the disbursement of USD 303 million for Tunisia next July.
The meeting also focused on the progress of achievement of planned basic infrastructure projects and difficulties impeding them, in addition to the Ministry’s approach to the draft law on public-private partnership (PPP) and the main programs that can be implemented in this regard.
Experts from the IMF have further taken note of the situation in the basic infrastructure sector in Tunisia and prospects thereto.
For his part, the Minister explained that the PPP draft law essentially concerns development, because it will help provide several advantages in cost and quality.
He proposed the implementation of pilot projects under the PPP, able to improve basic infrastructure and public facilities in the country.
The Board of Directors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had granted Tunisia a 7-month extension to December 31, 2015 to allow the Tunisian authorities to implement the reforms and commitments undertaken in the framework of the agreement with the country “(Stand-By Arrangement- SBA).
On a total of $ 1.75 billion, approved by the IMF Board of Directors on June 7, 2013, in favor of Tunisia (corresponding to 400% of the country’s quota with the Fund), $ 600 million have not yet been disbursed, pending the completion of reforms.
The IMF also noted that a review mission will visit Tunis late May current, to conduct the sixth review under the SBA.
