Finance Minister Prof. Edward Scicluna attended high level meetings in Washington with international financial institutions to discuss the country’s economic outlook, and the crucial economic reforms currently underway.

Prof Scicluna was attending the 2014 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) Spring Meetings along with other Finance Ministers from the 188 countries which form part of the IMF and the WBG, which were held in Washington over recent days.

Prof. Scicluna attended various International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) Plenary meetings, which discussed issues such as global economic and financial prospects and policies. Prof. Scicluna also attended Development Committee Plenary session which discussed the history of the International Monetary Fund, and what lies ahead for the financial institution.

Accompanied by his delegation, Prof. Scicluna also met with the IMF Article IV Mission, which is expected to visit Malta later this year, as well as representatives from international credit rating agencies Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s, and officials from the World Bank Group regional department.

The aim of the meetings was to keep these financial institutions updated with the economic and financial developments underway in Malta, and the country’s future economic outlook. The various economic reforms taking place were discussed at length, as well as the implementation of the Budgetary measures.

“I am very satisfied with the outcome of these meetings. Such meetings are essential for Malta to deliver on its promise of transparency, which was extended also to international institutions,” Prof. Scicluna said. “We want to continue engaging productively with these institutions on the Government’s economic plans and listen attentively to their views and advice. This is a two-way process.”

– Tuesday, 15th April, 2014