The organization states that the country has advanced in the process of economic stabilization and has exceeded the quantitative targets set for December 2014, also meeting the benchmarks set for March 2015.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
From a press release issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF):
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Lisandro Ábrego, visited Tegucigalpa during March 9-17 to conduct the first review of Honduras’ Fund-supported program, approved on December 3, 2014. At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Ábrego issued the following statement in Tegucigalpa today:
“The mission is encouraged by the progress made to stabilize the Honduran economy and return the public finances to a sustainable path. The staff team found that all quantitative targets for December 2014 were met, in most cases with ample margins. The structural benchmarks were also observed, while significant progress toward meetings March 2015 benchmarks has been made.
“Macroeconomic performance in 2014 generally exceeded program expectations. Real GDP growth is estimated to have risen to a solid 3.1 percent while inflation ended at 5.8 percent—well below the program projection—owing mainly to lower fuels prices. The external current account deficit decreased from 9.5 percent of GDP in 2014 to 7.4 percent of GDP, reflecting fiscal consolidation, more favorable terms of trade, and strong growth of remittances. International reserves increased by about US$260 million, comfortably exceeding the program target and bringing reserve coverage to 4.3 months of imports. Fiscal performance was also significantly stronger than anticipated, with the deficit of the combined public sector declining to 4.3 percent of GDP, well below the program target of 5.9 percent of GDP. The overall deficit of Empresa Nacional de Energia Electrica (ENEE) was reduced to 1.3 percent of GDP (from 1.8 percent of GDP the previous year), in line with the program target.
“For 2015, the mission and the authorities reached understandings on the quantitative targets and appropriate policies to buttress macroeconomic stability while supporting solid economic growth and the expansion of social programs. These understandings are subject to approval by the IMF’s Management and Executive Board, which is expected to consider the first program review in May.
“The 2015 outlook of the Honduran economy is more positive than envisaged previously as a result of the macroeconomic over performance in 2014, the lower oil prices and a steady US recovery. GDP growth is expected to increase to 3.3 percent while inflation is projected to fall to 4¾ percent. This year’s fiscal program objective is to continue with fiscal consolidation to reduce the CPS deficit to about 3 percent of GDP. The authorities will also expand their poverty reduction programs. Monetary policy will continue to focus on keeping inflation under control and strengthening the external position while providing adequate support to economic growth. The external current account is also expected to improve, driven by lower fuel imports and more coffee exports, supporting an increase in international reserve coverage (projected to rise to 4.5 months of imports). The government will continue undertaking structural reforms in the electricity sector, including the establishment of a fully functional new regulator and the agreed measures to further strengthen the finances of ENEE.
“The mission met with President Juan Orlando Hernández, Minister Coordinator of the Government Jorge Hernández Alcerro, Central Bank Governor and Head of the Economic Cabinet Marlon Tábora, Minister of Infrastructure Roberto Ordoñez, Minister of Finance Wilfredo Cerrato, other senior government officials, members of congress, and private sector representatives.
“The staff team would like to thank the authorities and private sector representatives for a cordial and productive dialogue, as well as for their excellent cooperation and hospitality.”
¿Busca soluciones de inteligencia comercial para su empresa?
The IMF highlighted the progress made in the fiscal area and projects low inflation and economic growth of 3.6% for 2016.
From a press release issued by the IMF:
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Roberto Garcia-Saltos, visited Tegucigalpa on September 24 to October 6 to conduct the second review of Honduras’ Fund-supported program.
Highlights of the report include persistent economic growth, low inflation, and advancing structural reforms, particularly in the fiscal area.
From a statement released by the IMF:
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Lisandro Ábrego visited Tegucigalpa during July 13-16 to review economic developments and the authorities’ implementation of their Fund-supported program during 2015.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) report sheds a positive light on the country's macroeconomic situation and the stability of its financial system.
A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Guatemala during August 17-26, 2010 to conduct the fourth and final review of the Stand-By Arrangement approved in April 2009.
The International Monetary Fund's recommendations focus on curbing the fiscal deficit and increase government income via taxation.
A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Guatemala during April 27-May 6, 2010 to conduct the third review of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) approved in April 2009 (see Press Release No.
×
7265Government Procurement Opportunities in the region
español
7265
