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Iraq Finance 2014 Iraq’s economy: recent developments and challenges. Carlo Sdralevich - International Monetary Fund. Iraq’s relations with IMF. Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance (2004) Various Stand-By Arrangements (2005-2013) Latest SBA: February 2010 – February 2013, SDR 1.1 billion
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Iraq Finance 2014Iraq’s economy:recent developments and challenges Carlo Sdralevich - International Monetary Fund
Iraq’s relations with IMF Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance (2004) Various Stand-By Arrangements (2005-2013) Latest SBA: February 2010 – February 2013, SDR 1.1 billion Now: Surveillance mode Latest Article IV: July 2013 English Arabic http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr13217.pdf http://www.imf.org/external/arabic/pubs/ft/scr/2013/cr13217a.pdf
Fiscal vulnerability to oil market shocks, with a high break-even price…
…and the financial sector is dominated by state-owned banks Source: Central Bank of Iraq.
Risks Weakening policy implementation Deterioration of political and security situation Delays in ramping up oil production Oil market shocks
Fiscal policy • Build fiscal buffers in the DFI • Rationalize current spending (subsidies, wages, transfers, PDS) • Strengthen fiscal institutions and processes (chart of account, single treasury account, information and reporting systems)
Monetary and financial sector • Maintain stable exchange rate • Continue liberalization of FX market, simplify regulations, and strengthen AML/CFT regime • Maintain separate management of CBI and DFI assets • Pursue restructuring of public banks • Support development of private banks by strengthening supervision and ensuring a level playing field
Conclusions • Mixed performance in 2013 • This year will be challenging - risks are high • Enormous oil potential can be maximized through good policies: • Sound fiscal management of oil revenues • Independence of CBI • Stable exchange rate
Iraq Finance 2014Iraq’s economy:recent developments and challenges Carlo Sdralevich - International Monetary Fund