Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
Business
Asharq Al-Awsat

IMF Says Sudan Made Tangible Progress Toward Establishing Strong Reforms

The International Monetary Fund logo is seen during the IMF/World Bank spring meetings in Washington, US. (File photo: Reuters)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director approved on Monday the first review of Sudan's Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) but called for reform of a customs exchange rate and more transparency over state-owned enterprises.

"The Sudanese authorities have made tangible progress toward establishing a strong track record of policy and reform implementation - a key requirement for eventual debt relief", an IMF statement said, citing a recent devaluation of the currency and removal of fuel subsidies.

The IMF warned that the economic situation remained "extremely fragile" in Sudan, where a deep economic crisis has seen inflation of up to 300% and shortages of basic goods, Reuters reported.

"Authorities should implement the reform of the customs exchange rate in a timely fashion to lift revenue and competitiveness and avoid a return to distortionary policy measures," the statement said.

"Enhanced transparency and management of State-Owned Enterprises operations is vital to mitigate fiscal risks and bring more revenue on-budget," it added.

The IMF also called for the timely adoption of a central bank act and the establishment of an independent anti-corruption commission.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.