IMF ENCOURAGES CREDITORS
By Ruth Chayinda:
The International Monetary Fund -IMF- has encouraged creditors to expeditiously come to an agreement with Zambia, on debt relief, so that its programme can be formalised.
IMF Deputy Managing Director, ANTOINETTE SAYEH says once the creditors conclude on debt relief, the IMF will speed up its programme for Zambia.
Ms SAYEH says she is confident the creditors will be encouraged by the actions Zambia has taken towards debt sustainability, as can be seen through the government’s fiscal efforts.
She says the IMF is also encouraged by the talks, which will be held between Zambia and its creditors, as it is step forward in the country getting on the IMF programme.
Ms SAYEH has also said the IMF is impressed that Zambia, compared to the rest of the world, has seen a reduced inflation, which is not the case in most countries.
She has said this in Lusaka during a joint press briefing, shortly after she held a closed door meeting with Finance Minister, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE, at his office.
And Dr MUSOKOTWANE has expressed optimism that the IMF and Zambia will seal the IMF programme deal in the month of September this year.
He however says the discussions, which will be held tomorrow, between government and its creditors, are a milestone and Zambians should forego the missed target of June this year.