Ms Nemat Shafik, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said: “The authorities’ policy and reform effort has been impressive. Considerable progress has already been made in fiscal and external adjustment, and sovereign spreads have narrowed significantly, which bodes well for the authorities’ strategy of regaining market access. Nonetheless, the near-term outlook is uncertain, and sizeable medium-term economic challenges remain. In light of this, the authorities need to sustain efforts to make the tradable sector more competitive, boost long-term growth, and further advance fiscal consolidation.“
“The fiscal objectives remain appropriate, provided economic developments unfold as expected. However, a public debate on how to best share the burden of the remaining sizeable fiscal adjustment is needed. Given an already high tax burden, the expenditure review that is aimed at rebalancing the adjustment mix is welcome. Going forward, a broader tax base and strengthened compliance would help generate space for lower income tax rates, particularly for corporate income tax, with a view to fostering investment and competitiveness. Significant progress has been made on the fiscal structural agenda, but continued strong implementation will be needed to achieve durable fiscal consolidation.“
“The authorities have a strong track record in preserving financial stability, but need to continue to monitor risks vigilantly. Progress has been made in keeping the banks well capitalised and adequately financed. Improved credit conditions will be important to facilitate economic recovery and ensure an orderly deleveraging by highly indebted firms.“
“The progress on labour and product market reforms, as well as in the judiciary, is encouraging. However, the authorities should vigorously pursue structural reforms to lock in a durable improvement in competitiveness, growth and employment.“
“In addition to domestic efforts, success will depend critically on continued external support and successful crisis policies at the euro area level. Support from the Eurosystem is important to contain credit market segmentation and improve monetary policy transmission.”
Full press release
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