Moldovan PM provides details on discussions with IMF mission: economic growth forecasts to be revised

The efforts made by the authorities in the last four years, as well as the implemented reforms have resulted in economic growth, says Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu. The PM says that this economic growth has also been confirmed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Moldova, which is willing to revise the country's economic forecasts.

The prime minister said that ‘’things have started to move’’ and for the current year, a 2-per cent economic growth is expected, with continuous growth in the next year.

‘’This week, the first statistics data showed that industrial production has started to increase, exports have grown, construction has begun to rise, and investments in the private sector have increased. These are the first signs, although we do not have the final data yet. Even the IMF mission, which we met this morning, has confirmed that they would revise the previous forecasts towards an improvement. They firmly believe that growth has started,’’ Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated at Jurnal TV's 'Cabinet from the Shadow' talk show.

The PM noted that the IMF mission would be in Moldova until December 17, during which time it will conduct a macro-financial analysis. Munteanu emphasized that, at present, Moldova did not have an urgent need for funds, but a programme with the IMF should be concluded.

‘’It would be beneficial to have a programme with the IMF, because it provides additional reliability, it's a recognition of our macroeconomic state. There is no urgent need for funds from the IMF, but we would like to have a programme with them, as additional certification of our good financial standing. Having an IMF programme will increase our rating and classification. This means that all credits we get will also have a lower interest rate, meaning the financial markets will respond positively to this programme, surely,’’ Munteanu also said.

At the same time, Munteanu emphasized that the government aimed to maintain the pace of economic growth by leveraging investments.

‘’We have the funds allocated by the European Commission – 1.9 billion, from which we would like to use a large part for investments, not for consumption,’’ Munteanu noted.

Investments are planned in all fields, says Alexandru Munteanu, who claims that the economic development of Moldova will solve the most painful problems: the exodus of young people.

‘’It's a vast investment programme that concerns all ministries. We are certainly considering roads, infrastructure, bridges, railways, supporting entrepreneurs, micro-crediting, schools, all kinds of incentives for all residents who want to start a business, as everyone will contribute to economic growth, but economic growth would also mean resolving our major problem – demographic, the exodus of young people,’’ said Munteanu.

The PM metaphorically explained the government's intentions: ‘’The weather has cleared up and the wind has begun to blow. You need to catch it, when the wind blows you need to set your sail correctly and go with it to harness the wind or wave,’’ said Munteanu.

The government aims to complete the year 2026 without delays and to fully utilize the funds provided by the European Commission.