Thu, 02 Nov 2017 10:44:41 +0000
By Simon Muntemba
PESIDENT Edgar Lungu has met the International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation.
President Lungu assured the IMF director for the Africa Region, Dr Abebe Selassie that his Government remained committed to spearheading the nation’s development based on an economic stabilisation and growth programme.
In a statement issued by State House press and public relations unit in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Lungu told the IMF delegation that there was need to bring the negotiations to a conclusion.
“Although we remain committed to continue on the path of economic reform and stabilisation, there is need to bring the programme of negotiations to a conclusion,
“We are committed to move forward with the programme. We are taking painful decisions now, to ensure we make progress in the economy and secure the livelihoods of our people,” President Lungu said.
The President said this when Dr Selassie paid a courtesy call on him at State House yesterday.
He said Government was unanimous on the need to ensure debt sustainability and fiscal discipline while maintaining a healthy balance between social spending and growth programmes.
The President further stated that Government had taken unprecedented measures such as removal of consumption subsidies and the progression of electricity tariffs to cost reflective levels.
President Lungu was accompanied to the meeting by Minister of Finance Felix Mutati, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Special Assistant to the President for Economic and Development Affairs Hibeene Mwiinga, Bank of Zambia Governor Dr. Denny Kalyalya and Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor Dr. Bwalya Ngandu.
Mr Selassie was accompanied to State House by newly appointed IMF Mission Chief for Zambia Dr Boileau Loko, IMF Executive Director for Zambia Dr. Maxwell Mukwezalamba, and IMF Resident Representative Dr. Alfredo Baldini.
