Moldovan president meets representatives of IMF Mission

Chisinau, 08 October /MOLDPRES/ – The President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, has met, on Tuesday, 08 October, with the IMF Mission, located in Moldova, to evaluate the budget planning process for 2020 and discuss the prospects of collaboration after the end of existing programme, after March 2020, the presidency’s press service has reported.

The head of state was informed about how there were conducted the mission discussions with the Government institutions. Igor Dodon expressed the position of Presidency upon major aspects of cooperation of Moldova with this international financial organisation.

The head of state reiterated the readiness of the leadership of Moldova to continue its collaboration with the IMF after the expiry of current programme, in case of aggravation of conditions meant to ensure robust economic development, increase the level of social protection of population and real consolidation of the system of public finances.

"Moldova needs financial support from the traditional partners, it will explore the possibilities of expanding the geography of potential institutional or bilateral donors, but the main focus will be on the internal policies of economic development, extending the fiscal base and increasing investment attractiveness, coming from the national interest of the country," said President.

In this context, the President of Moldova informed the members of IMF team about the intention to launch, in upcoming period, a package of economic measures, meant to contribute to the economic growth of Moldova. Also, Igor Dodon reiterated his reservations regarding some fiscal measures promoted under this programme. "Especially, it relates to the changes of tax legislation of HORECA sector, which in our opinion may affect the prospects of developing a strategic branch of Moldova – tourism. We are of the opinion that the measures adopted on it should be revised without affecting the relations with IMF, Government and the team will discuss this issue further. Similarly, it will be launched a set of initiatives to contribute to development of this vital sector," said Igor Dodon.

The head of state also informed the IMF team about the social projects submitted recently by the presidential institution. Particularly, Igor Dodon spoke about the indexation of pensions two times per year, about ensuring a guaranteed period of receipt of the pension and about extending the number of beneficiaries of aid during the cold period of the year. The President of Moldova underlined that these projects have been currently promoted in Parliament, being unanimously supported by MPs in the vast majority of parliamentary committees, while it was supported the intention to ensure a higher level of social protection for the most vulnerable population groups by the IMF representatives.

Finally, Igor Dodon reiterated his firm position not to allow tax and tariff increases, as far as these actions discourage economic growth, contribute to exodus of population of Moldova and do not bring the expected positive effects.