Government says it is looking forward to the coming of an International Monetary Fund [IMF] staff team for Article 4 Consultations this year.
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says a team from the IMF was in Zambia in November, 2018, to exchange information on economic data that will facilitate the development of a macroeconomic framework for use during the Article 4 Consultations.
And on 2019 Budget Implementation, the minister says her ministry has commenced the implementation of the 2019 National Budget.
“As we progress with the implementation of revenue and expenditure measures for the current fiscal year, we are cognisant of the interest by rating agencies, analysts, investors and other players in the economy to take our activities into account in their assessment of the economy,” she said.
She says her ministry remains firm in resolving to ensure that fiscal consolidation has a resounding impact on implementation of the Seventh National Development Plan, the Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme, and the National Budget; manifested through an improved macro-economic environment, enhanced public service delivery and the uplifted well-being of our fellow citizens.
She adds that in order to sustain growth and create wealth, it will also be important for stakeholders in the fiscal and economic management sphere to strengthen their commitment to the implementation of the measures outlined in the 2019 Budget and the Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme.
“This year, the Treasury will continue to pay special attention to arrears dismantling in sectors that will significantly reduce non-performing loans and release liquidity to the private sector. To promote fiscal consolidation, we will maintain a close watch on activity implementation in Ministries Provinces and Controlling Bodies so that there is strict adherence to programmed domestic financing for the year, said Mrs. Mwanakatwe.
She adds that her ministry will further continue to strongly observe the Presidential directive on constant assessment of the quality of expenditure in the public sector in order to allow the Government to take remedial measures as unnecessary expenditures manifest.
“Let me on behalf on the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, stress and assure my fellow citizens and the international community that the measures that we have put in place in the 2019 National Budget and the Economic Stabilisation and Growth Programme are an undertaking to set a sound foundation for improved economic management, sustained growth and enhanced well-being of our people without leaving anyone behind,” she assured.

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