The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said, Wednesday it has not cancelled its Tunisia visit, contrary to media reports.
IMF Mission Chief to Tunisia Björn Rother told TAP “No, we did not cancel; we are continuing discussions with the authorities on policies that can be supported by the Extended Fund Facility and that could lead to a mission in April.”
Tunisia pins high hopes on the upcoming visit of the IMF mission.
Finance Minister Lamia Zribi earlier told TAP she expects the second and third installments of the loan extended to Tunisia (about $700 mln that is 1,587 MTD) to be disbursed. This will help face up to the pressure on public finance, especially after the release of the second tranche set for December was put off.
The government will keep on advancing in economic reforms, mainly in connection to the restructuring of public banks, the reduction of the public wage bill and the overhaul of the tax system, Zribi indicated.
The IMF approved a four-year $2.9 billion loan for Tunisia to support the economic agenda aimed at promoting more inclusive growth and job creation; a first tranche of $320 mln (729 MTD) was paid out.
