07/02/2018

They IMF Board welcomed Kosovo’s strong economic performance and reforms made and encouraged the authorities to accelerate structural reforms. These comments came from the successful conclusion of the IMF Board Meeting in Kosovo, where it was discussed about the IMF Staff Report "Article IV Consultation with Kosovo". Also, after performance evaluation, Board members have also approved the Kosovo move from Article XIV to Article VIII.
Regarding fiscal policies, the Board agreed that fiscal policies remain adequate and that fiscal rules ensure the preservation of fiscal sustainability in the country. Relating to the financial sector, the Board stated the major progress achieved in the financial sector and welcomed the implementation of the recommendations of the Financial Stability Assessment Program, implemented in 2012.
The Board positively assessed developments in the Kosovo financial system, with particular emphasis on credit growth, improved oversight framework and financial sector regulation. A general positive assessment was also highlighted for the recent improvements in the World Bank “Doing Business” report, in which Kosovo has marked progress in many important areas for improving the business environment, including access to finance.
The IMF Board of Directors Media Release, together with the IMF Staff Report "Article IV Consultation with Kosovo", can be found on the following link: http://www.imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2018/02/05/Republic-of-Kosovo-2017-Article-IV-Consultation-Press-Release-Staff-Report-and-Statement-by-45612