The

International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expressing concern about the sociopolitical

crisis in Haiti and stressed the urgency of restoring political and

macroeconomic stability, addressing poverty and inequality, and tackling

corruption.

The

IMF executive board is also calling on all stakeholders to work toward a broadbased

national dialogue to address the country’s daunting challenges and realise the

potential scope for much stronger and more inclusive growth.

The

board is encouraging continued close cooperation with donors and the Fund,

including through technical assistance, and welcomed the Country Engagement

Strategy as a basis for future Fund engagement.

The

directors say severe fiscal constraints necessitate shifting scarce resources

away from nonpriority spending toward social programmes and investment and

underscored the importance of limiting monetary financing of fiscal deficits

and preparing a national budget for the financial year 2020.

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]

President Moise calls for solidarity in building a new Haiti[/naviga:li][/naviga:ul]

They are encouraging the authorities in the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country to focus on measures to boost domestic revenues and reduce exemptions in the near term while working to strengthen tax administration, prepare a resolution plan for budget arrears, and bolster public financial management.

But

they have commended the authorities for progress on the new national plan for

social protection and stressed the need to advance its approval and focus on a

limited number of cash transfer programs.