IMF Executive Board Approves New US$ 312.1 Million Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Chad and Cancels the Current Arrangement - AfricanBrains
IMF Executive Board Approves New US$ 312.1 Million Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Chad and Cancels the Current Arrangement
Chad’s macroeconomic and financial performances have deteriorated significantly over the past two years.
On June 30, 2017, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Chad for SDR 224.32 million (about US$ 312.1 million, or 160 percent of Chad’s quota) to support the country’s stabilization and recovery strategy. Today’s Board decision also notes the cancellation of the previous ECF arrangement. Policies under the new arrangement are expected to catalyze further support from Chad’s external partners.
An amount equivalent to SDR 35.05 million (about US$ 48.8 million) will be immediately disbursed to Chad. The remaining amount will be phased over the duration of the program, subject to semi-annual reviews.
Following the Executive Board discussion on Chad, Mr. David Lipton, First Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, stated:
“Chad’s macroeconomic and financial performances have deteriorated significantly over the past two years, against the backdrop of low oil prices, tense regional security situation, and a heavy external commercial debt burden. In 2016, real non-oil GDP contracted by 6 percent, following a 2.9 percent reduction in 2015.
“The program, supported by the new ECF arrangement, aims at stabilizing the fiscal and external position as well as reestablishing debt sustainability, through the restructuring of external commercial debt, prudent fiscal policies, and the resumption of growth.
“The authorities are committed to preserving the fiscal adjustment achieved so far and to improving the mobilization of non-oil revenue, which requires measures to broaden the tax base, and strengthen tax and customs administrations.
“Achieving debt sustainability and stabilizing the fiscal position hinge on reducing the burden of external debt service. To this end, the authorities are committed to restructure the debt with Chad’s major external commercial creditor, and have appointed financial and legal advisors to help them through the process. These efforts would serve to ensure the protection of poverty-reducing social spending and allow the phased clearance of arrears thereby supporting growth.
“Structural reforms to improve public financial management and diversify the economy are key elements of the program. This includes improving budgetary practices and strengthening cash management and forecasting. Fostering long-term growth will require greater diversification of the economy. The authorities are committed to boost competitiveness by improving the business environment and addressing supply side bottlenecks. The new National Development Plan, which is expected to be released soon, will constitute a milestone in that regard.
“Continued strong implementation of the ECF-supported program will be critical to catalyze financial support from international partners to more effectively tackle development needs and support economic growth.
“The success of Chad’s program will depend in part on the implementation of supportive policies and reforms by the regional institutions.”
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