Mali on talks with IMF: Serbia received support to continue reforms and maintain existing macroeconomic results
Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Serbia has received support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to continue its reforms and maintain macroeconomic stability.
- The IMF delegation's visit concluded with agreement on the third review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), with Serbia's strong fiscal position noted.
- Despite challenges from the Middle East conflict, Serbia's economy is projected to grow, supported by the upcoming EXPO 2027.
Serbia's economic resilience has been affirmed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which has expressed support for the nation's ongoing reforms and macroeconomic achievements. Following the conclusion of the IMF mission's visit, Serbia received commendation for its robust fiscal mechanisms, including moderate public debt, high foreign exchange reserves, and a stable banking system. These factors provide a solid foundation for navigating global economic shocks, according to the Ministry of Finance.
Snaลพni zaลกtitni mehanizmi Srbije - umeren javni dug, visoke devizne rezerve i stabilan bankarski sistem - pruลพaju ฤvrstu osnovu za suoฤavanje sa ponovljenim ลกokovima
Finance Minister Siniลกa Mali highlighted the significance of the IMF's endorsement, stating that Serbia is on the right path. The agreement on the third review of the Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) by the IMF's Executive Board is a crucial step, validating the country's economic policies implemented during crisis years. While acknowledging criticisms, Mali emphasized the value of the IMF's praise as encouragement for future endeavors. The IMF's report projects a growth of approximately 2.75% in 2026, rising to 4% in 2027, driven by increased real incomes, export capacity, agricultural recovery, infrastructure and energy investments, and tourism related to EXPO 2027.
Srbija je od jedne renomirane meฤunarodne finansijske institucije dobila podrลกku da nastavi reforme i odrลพi postojeฤe makroekonomske rezultate.
The IMF also recognized Serbia's progress in fiscal-structural reforms, particularly the actuarial analysis of the pension system and the preparation of a report on tax expenditures. Despite the projected negative impact of the Middle East conflict on growth in 2026, the IMF anticipates a rebound in 2027, bolstered by EXPO 2027-related activities. Minister Mali views EXPO 2027 as a vital engine for future growth, a new source of economic impetus for Serbia, secured through hard work and competition. Serbia remains committed to fiscal discipline, aiming to limit its deficit to 3% of GDP in 2026-2027 and adhering to specific fiscal rules for public sector wages and pensions. N1 Serbia reports this as a positive outlook, underscoring Serbia's strategic planning and economic stability.
Zavrลกeni su razgovori sa MMF-om, a objavljeni stavovi su nam potvrda da smo na pravom putu, da su mere naลกe ekonomske politike u kriznim godinama prepoznate kao adekvatne i podsticajne za dalji privredni rast, uprkos svim svetskim aktuelnim deลกavanjima.
Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.