The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Christine Lagarde, at the end of a two-day visit to Tunisia on Wednesday, said she had agreed with Prime Minister Habib Essid to accelerate the initiation of major reforms to meet the social and economic aspirations of the Tunisian people.
“I have come to listen and I have learned a great deal about the government’s economic vision and the measures it plans to take to put the Tunisian economy on a sustainable path of strong, sustainable, job-rich growth.
I also held discussions with representatives of political parties, labor unions, the private sector, and women leaders. I was very encouraged by their determination to work together to contribute to Tunisia’s economic and social progress” Lagarde said in statement.
The IMF official said her institution will continue, in any circumstances, supporting Tunisia by using all means available, particularly through political and economic recommendations and suggestions
The IMF Managing Director said achieving a reasonable growth rate and the establishment of conditions conducive to prosperity and especially to job-creation hinge on security and macro-economic and financial stability, the aim being to win back confidence and sent reassuring messages to Tunisian and foreign investors who should consider Tunisia as a low-risk country.
She said she was confident that Tunisia needs to move forcefully ahead with the next phase of its economic and social transition to broad-based, sustainable growth.
A sound banking system, a more efficient government and civil service, a fair and efficient tax system, investment-oriented public spending, a business environment more conducive to investor risk taking, and a modern social safety net are all key to maintaining growth and creating jobs, she said.