New IMF program for Tajikistan discussed at Dushanbe meeting
DUSHANBE. May 17 (Interfax) - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva have exchanged views on cooperation and steps to advance economic reforms, the Tajik presidential press service said.
"Important issues on the meeting's agenda included ways to boost the resilience of Tajikistan's economy against the negative impact of external factors, including tensions caused by geopolitical risks, regional instability and the effect of climate change," the press service said.
The parties also discussed measures to ensure macroeconomic stability, maintain the balance of payments and the stability of the international reserves, and to raise living standards in the country.
Rahmon and Georgieva acknowledged the need to continue economic reforms and provide grants as the key to stable socioeconomic development and to improving the investment environment in Tajikistan.
The parties also exchanged views on the prospects for expanding cooperation with development partners in promising industries, agriculture, the energy sector and human potential.
"We have just discussed the IMF's new program for Tajikistan. It supports the country's reforms to increase its attractiveness for investors, improve the business climate, and the use of budgetary funds intended for meeting social needs and supporting the population. This program is necessary especially now that Tajikistan is promoting the construction of the Roghun hydropower plant, one of the most important projects not only for the country, but also for the region. The Roghun hydropower plant will be a source of green energy for business and the population of the country," the Khovar news agency quoted Georgieva as saying after the meeting with Rahmon.
She described the IMF's impression of Tajikistan as "very positive."
"Economic indicators are excellent. Economic growth is more than 8%. Inflation is among the lowest, around 3%. Debt dropped to 27% of gross domestic product. The most important thing is the vision and unification of the people of Tajikistan in order to realize all these aspirations," she said.
Tajikistan joined the IMF on April 27, 1993.