By Staff Writer
Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane and the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva yesterday held a successful meeting at the IMF Headquarters in Washington, DC, United States of America.
The meeting was used as an opportunity to discuss Zambia’s economic reforms progress, as well as the next steps in the debt restructuring process.
In a media statement, Ministry of Finance and National Planning disclose that at the meeting, the Minister told the delegation that the new dawn administration of President Hakainde Hichilema has a duty to the Zambian people to transform country’s economy, so that it achieves sustainable growth, becomes resilient, more attractive to investors and internationally competitive.
“This methodical approach will help us lift our people out of poverty through the creation of decent jobs, development of enterprises, and sustained formation of wealth,” he said.
And Ms Georgieva commended Zambia for making impressive progress in implementing measures under the country’s economic reform programme.
Ms Georgieva added “We share the hope for rapid progress on Zambia’s debt restructuring so that the IMF Board can soon consider the authorities’ (Zambia) program.”
The IMF Managing Director recognised the urgency of IMF Board consideration of the requested program and committed to work with Zambia in trying to achieve this goal as soon as possible.
In response, Dr Musokotwane said government is grateful for the productive meeting at which reforms were discussed, as well as the ongoing, constructive relationship, with the IMF.
All sides agreed that Zambia can build a prosperous and resilient economy and would once again be able to invest in public services, social welfare, education, healthcare and the future of children.
The Minister and his delegation, which included Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa and
Bank of Zambia Governor Dr Denny Kalyalya, have been in Washington DC, for the Spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group.
