Minsk expects IMF mission

A Post-Program Monitoring Mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to work in Belarus from October 18 till October 29, 2012.

Interfax-West news agency received the news from the IMF Office in Belarus.

The mission will be led by David Hoffman.

“The purpose of the visit is to conduct the Third Post-Program Monitoring Review of the Belarusian economy. The report of the staff team will be discussed subsequently by the IMF Board,” an Office representative said noting that “The visit provides an opportunity for the Belarusian authorities and the IMF staff to discuss the authorities’ policies and the prospects for the Belarusian economy in 2013.”

Belarus was earlier reported to have implemented a stand-by program since January 2009 till April 2010 and received a 3.6bn loan from the IMF.

In May 2011, Belarus again applied to the IMF for a loan. The Belarusian authorities confirm their interest in a new IMF program. The IMF abolished the post of its resident representative in Belarus in April 2011.