Press Release No. 16/68

Press Release: IMF Deputy Managing Director to visit Chad and Cote d'Ivoire

February 21, 2016

Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will visit Chad and Cote d’Ivoire on February 21-27, to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders in both countries and to underline the strong relationship with the institution’s African member countries.

The visit to Chad will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the close relation with the country over the last few years. In N’Djamena, Mr. Furusawa will meet with President Idriss Déby Itno and other senior officials, the private sector, and representatives of the civil society.

“I very much look forward to productive meetings with President Déby and his teams as they address important challenges, notably the combined effects of a sharp and persistent decline in international oil prices and elevated regional security threats,” Mr. Furusawa said ahead of the trip. “Despite these challenges, the economic performance has been broadly satisfactory and the Fund stands ready to continue to provide financial and technical assistance to help Chad tackle its immediate challenges and achieve its developmental aspirations,” Mr. Furusawa added.

In Cote d’Ivoire, the Deputy Managing Director will meet with President Ouattara and Prime Minister Kablan Duncan, as well as private sector executives, civil society representatives, and students. The visit to will allow Mr. Furusawa to discuss the country’s exceptional economic performance and the ways to sustain it and ensure that it benefits all.

“Cote d’Ivoire has achieved an impressive economic performance over the past four years, with growth averaging 8.9 percent per year. I commend the authorities for this accomplishment and look forward to ours discussions.” Mr. Furusawa said.