The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is optimistic for the economic situation of the country and expects faster growth next year, although risks still remain.

This is an assessment of the two-week visit of IMF mission to the country, which was presented today by Head of IMF team Wes McGrew at the joint press conference with Deputy PM and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski and Governor of the National Bank Petar Gosev.

McGrew underlined that fiscal target for the next year is adequate and he expected limited space for further relaxation at the monetary policy. He pointed out on high external risks than usually.
Regarding IMF open credit, he pointed out that the talks were good and it’s up to the government to decide whether it will use the funds.

Deputy PM Stavreski said that the government has not yet decided on this issue and they will make political consultations in the parliament after which a decision will be passed whether to use funds from Precautionary Credit Line.

Stavreski said that the two-week talks were confirmation of the economic policies which are good and adequate of the conditions we are living and verification that Macedonian economy to recover more next year.

Governor Gosev expressed satisfaction that the assessments for the Macedonian economy are almost identical and depending on global economy we can expect Macedonian economy to experience recovery.

He said that the monetary policy continues with its standard approach with stable foreign exchange rate and controlled inflation and seeking possibility to help the credit growth, which is expected.