©️The Primature
On Magik9, on Monday, October 20, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alfred Métellus, took stock of his visit to Washington. He confirmed that discussions with the IMF, the World Bank and the IDB were well conducted, while outlining the government's economic and security priorities. The Minister also announced the preparation of an economic package to accompany the deployment of the United Nations mission in Haiti.
Returning from an official mission to Washington, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Alfred Métellus, wanted to be reassuring about the strength of Haiti's partnerships with international financial institutions.
« We met all of Haiti's partners, including the IMF, the World Bank and the IDB. »said the minister to Magik's microphone9.
According to him, the SMP (Staff-Monitored Program) program under way with the IMF is running smoothly: « The second review was successfully completed and the objectives achieved. »
With the World Bank, the project portfolio is progressing normally, with disbursements of approximately $120 million per year, while the IDB is supporting Haiti through two new development projects.
With regard to the security situation, Mr. Métellus stressed the need for a plan beyond the mere deployment of the UN gang mission. « We are emerging from seven years of negative growth. One of the main factors is insecurity. Once security is restored, measures will have to be put in place to ensure a sustainable recovery of the economy. »He insisted.
In this context, the Government is discussing with its international partners an economic package to accompany the deployment of the UN mission and to boost investment.
In terms of structural reforms, the Minister clarified that the IMF provides technical assistance for customs modernization, the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) and improving the budgetary management of the MEF and the HRB.
For their part, the World Bank and IDB are involved in the health sectors, school canteens, cash transfers, road rehabilitation (Carrefour-Dufort, Jacmel) and improvement of the Toussaint Louverture airport.
Finally, Alfred Métellus recalled the government's priorities: the organization of elections, the strengthening of security, support for the HNP and the Fad-H, and the improvement of the living conditions of displaced persons.
« The country now has a regular budget, and we are working with international partners for the progressive return of internally displaced persons to their homes. », he concluded.
W.A.
