WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)-
The IMF “expressed deep concern about Haiti’s worsening economic and social conditions, and in particular, the widening of the fiscal deficit, the accumulation of external arrears, and further increases in poverty,” the IMF said in a press summary of its annual “Article IV” review of the
economy.
“Political difficulties have deterred the authorities from taking corrective measures aimed at stemming the loss in international reserves, containing inflation, and promoting growth,” the IMF said. Top priorities for 2003 should be rebuilding central bank reserves, now at $45 million or two weeks of imports, and containing inflation.
The government needs to improve transparency and accountability of its spending, the IMF said. The IMF “emphasized the importance of strengthening cash management by restricting the use of discretionary ministerial accounts.”
The IMF also recommended enhanced banking and credit supervision, and action to privatize state-owned firms in the energy, telecommunications and transportation sectors.