President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova received the Chief of the International Monetary Fund Mission in the country, Annette Koebe, and the IMF Senior Regional Representative for the Western Balkans and Head of the Skopje Office, Sebastian Sosa.
The meeting discussed the economic situation and the implementation of reforms, the measures that need to be taken to maintain economic and financial stability in conditions of fluctuations in the global economy, as well as cooperation with international financial institutions.
Considering that fluctuations have a significant impact on economies, especially on smaller countries, the President expressed gratitude for the IMF’s financial support to date to mitigate global shocks. In this regard, the IMF representatives shared their forecasts and views on the measures and policies so far.
The interlocutors also exchanged views on the amendments to the Law on the National Bank, in the section on the method of profit distribution. The President pointed out that structural reforms necessarily impose a need for debate and greater involvement of the expert public in creating good and sustainable solutions.
In the context of the need to prioritize costs, in order to reduce pro-inflationary effects, the meeting emphasized the importance of investing in infrastructure and digitalization, as well as in education, the health sector and the fight against corruption. For the interlocutors, the Macedonian reform agenda opens up an opportunity for the country’s growth. The President said that bilateralization of Macedonia’s European integrations slows down reform and that debilateralization of the enlargement process is necessary.
She reaffirmed the position that best investments are those in education, science, infrastructure and culture. This, in her opinion, will reduce the outflow of quality personnel and encourage young people to use their potential at home.
The President recognizes the diaspora as an important factor in the Macedonian economy.
