Via IMF (Den Internationale Valutafond)
IMF Executive Board Completes the Fourth Review of the Extended Arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility for Georgia
June 19, 2019
- Georgia’s economic performance remains robust with resilient growth, inflation under control, and reduced external vulnerabilities.
- Continued implementation of the authorities’ reform agenda remains vital to ensure that growth is sustainable and inclusive.
- A comprehensive education reform needs to boost education quality and reduce skills mismatches in the labor force.
On June 19, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
completed the Fourth Review of Georgia’s economic reform program supported
by a three-year extended arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility
(EFF). The completion of the review will release SDR 30 million (about
$41.4 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR
150 million (about $207.2 million).The extended arrangement for SDR 210.4
million (100 percent of quota) was approved by the Executive Board on April
12, 2017 (see
Press Release No. 17/130).
Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. David Lipton, First Deputy
Managing Director and Acting Chair, said:
“Georgia’s economic performance remains robust with resilient growth,
inflation under control, and reduced external vulnerabilities.
Although the outlook is favorable, the authorities need to be prepared to
address any negative spillovers from external developments and persevere
with structural reforms to promote higher and more inclusive growth.
“The fiscal deficit is projected to remain relatively stable in 2019 and
over the medium term reflecting the authorities’ commitment to fiscal
sustainability. Higher spending on public education will be offset with
slower growth in infrastructure investment. Regarding education spending,
salary increases can only be effective if accompanied by other steps to
boost education quality, which requires further work on a comprehensive
education reform.
“Monetary policy is rightly focused on price stability. As recent increases
in inflation are driven by temporary factors, a neutral monetary policy
stance remains appropriate. Tighter lending standards have slowed credit
growth as expected, making credit growth more sustainable. The
inflation‑targeting framework, combined with exchange rate flexibility, and
interventions that help build reserves continue to serve Georgia well.
“Continued implementation of the authorities’ reform agenda remains
vital to ensure that growth is sustainable and inclusive. The authorities are advancing education reform to reduce skills
mismatches in the labor force.
A new insolvency law, together with making the pension agency fully
operational and reforms to promote a transparent and independent
judiciary, would help mobilize investment.
The authorities’ energy market reforms could improve market competition and
energy efficiency.
“Sound policies and further reforms under the IMF program will help
preserve the gains made, strengthen economic resilience, and foster
stronger and more inclusive growth.”
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Georgia: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, |
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IMF Communications Department
MEDIA RELATIONS
PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar
Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org