DUSHANBE, September 3, Asia-Plus — A mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Tajikistan led by Carlos Pinerua has been in Tajikistan since the end of last week to survey the country’s achievements in the macroeconomic sphere, information posted on the website of the National Bank of Tajikistan (NBT) said. 

According to Tajik central bank, the mission members have already held talks with representatives from the country’s economic team.  Mr. Pinerua noted that the main purpose of the visit is for the mission is to discuss with Tajik authorities macroeconomic policy for the end of 2007 and general parameters of the country’s budget for 2008 with a special focus on providing more balanced policy to reduce inflation.  

The IMF mission head noted that achievement of the inflation reduction goals will require a composite macroeconomic policy, which has continued to  be based on not only strong tax-budgetary position but also be supported by more reliable structure of monetary policy, the information said.  

During their stay in Tajikistan, members of the IMF mission are also scheduled to hold a number of talks with senior representatives from the government, economic team, senior representatives from Tajik central bank, ministries and organizations, as well as some international organizations active in Tajikistan.  

A meeting with top managers of Tajik central bank is expected to focus on developments related to payment balance in 2007, forecasts on issuing government securities, development of interbank market, latest developments in the banking sector, success made in tackling cotton debt problems, etc, the NBT website said.