Public Information Notice No. 11/119

Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes First Post-Program Monitoring Discussions with the Republic of Belarus

September 13, 2011

On August 29, 2011, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the first Post-Program discussions with Belarus.¹

Background

Belarus is experiencing an economic crisis. After the expiration of a Stand-By Arrangement in March 2010, policies were loosened significantly. As a consequence, the current account deficit increased and the pressure on reserves intensified. After a significant loss of reserves in early 2011, confidence in the rubel fell, sparking a foreign exchange crisis and forcing the central bank to cease interventions. Foreign exchange shortages ensued, the foreign exchange markets became fragmented and a parallel market appeared.

The authorities’ efforts to resolve the crisis have so far been insufficient to restore market confidence. After initial attempts to deal with the crisis with administrative measures, the authorities agreed a package of measures with the Eurasian Economic Community’s Anti-Crisis Fund (ACF), under a US$3 billion loan agreement. The announced measures include tightening of macroeconomic policies and structural reforms. However, they are not being consistently implemented: the multiple exchange rate system persists and interest rates are still negative in the real terms.

The foreign exchange crisis has affected economic activity and increased inflation. GDP growth is expected to slow down from 11 percent in the first half of the year to 5½ percent in 2011 and further to 1½ percent in 2012, mainly via a sharp slowdown and a subsequent contraction of domestic demand. Spurred by significant depreciation of the rubel, 12-month rate of inflation reached 43 percent in June 2011 and is expected to accelerate to over 50 percent by the end of the year.

Executive Board Assessment

Executive Directors regretted that weak macroeconomic policies led to a further, sharp deterioration in the economy, contributing to a widening of the external current account deficit and a crisis in the foreign exchange market. Directors underscored that comprehensive macroeconomic adjustment and structural reforms, as well as strong political commitment, are critical to address the root causes of vulnerabilities and restore external stability.

Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitments under the loan agreement with the ACF. They agreed that the authorities’ plans to reduce the fiscal deficit, raise interest rates, limit lending under government programs, and unify multiple exchange rates are steps in the right direction, but stressed the importance of firm and consistent implementation.

Directors urged the authorities to restore external stability through further fiscal and monetary policy tightening. They supported floating the rubel to unify exchange rates and allow the needed external adjustment. A few Directors considered that a substantial reserve buffer is needed before such a move. Directors underscored that public wage restraint should help contain exchange rate and price pressures. They also recommended putting in place an efficient social safety net to protect the most vulnerable segment of the population.

Directors noted the low reported nonperforming loan levels in the banking system and capital adequacy ratios above prudential norms. In this context, some Directors expressed concern over the elevated liquidity, credit, and rollover risks in the system. Directors underscored the need for close monitoring of financial sector developments, while stressing the importance of increasing the role of market mechanisms and eliminating distortions.

Directors called on the authorities to demonstrate a consistent commitment to structural reforms. They urged the authorities to step up price liberalization and make the Development Bank and the National Investment and Privatization Agency fully operational without delay. Directors also encouraged the authorities to embark on an enterprise reform to facilitate corporate sector adjustment and strengthen competitiveness.

Directors stressed that financial support from the Fund will require demonstrated commitment to strong policies and structural reforms.