IMF informed Nikšić about Republika Srpska's interest in a new arrangement

(Patria) - Prime Minister of the Federation of BiH Nermin Nikšić met today at the seat of the Government of the Federation of BiH in Sarajevo with representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The IMF delegation included Head of the IMF Mission in BiH David Amaglobeli and Resident Representative of the IMF Mission in BiH Andreas Tudyk.

During the meeting, they discussed the economic situation and fiscal trends, attracting foreign investments, and the continuation and expansion of projects in the areas of road infrastructure and energy. The cooperation with the IMF so far was assessed as good.

The Federal Prime Minister thanked the IMF for its technical support and, in a comprehensive review of the economic situation in the Federation of BiH, presented measures taken and planned in the area of fiscal policy reform.

Among other things, Prime Minister Nikšić pointed to the GDP growth trend, the increase in the number of employed persons, and presented data on the growth in the number of business entities, as well as the increasing interest of international investors in investing in the Federation of BiH. He also informed the guest about indicators of growth in tax revenue collection and the responsible policy of the Government of the Federation of BiH towards public finances, thanks to which the Federation fulfills all its obligations on time.

He emphasized the importance of adopting the decision on the minimum wage in the Federation of BiH, as well as the imminent start of the application of amendments to the Law on Contributions, which reduce contributions from next month, representing a form of relief for employers and the economy.

The Federal Prime Minister stated that it is difficult to predict when all of Bosnia and Herzegovina's obligations from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans might be fulfilled, and emphasized that the Federation of BiH is doing its part of the work from the list of reforms and wants to be part of the solution. He also expressed regret over the fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina, after the initial momentum regarding European integration, is currently blocked on that path.

The guests informed the Federal Prime Minister that there is interest from the other entity in an arrangement with the IMF.

Prime Minister Nikšić thanked them for the cooperation so far and emphasized that the Federation of BiH is satisfied with the technical assistance provided by the IMF, and that such assistance is sufficient for the Federation for now.

He added that the Government of the Federation of BiH expresses readiness for constructive dialogue with the IMF Mission, with the aim of further improving public finances and creating a more favorable investment environment.