IMF chief starts Ethiopia visit today

Addis Ababa, December 13, 2017 (FBC) – Ms.Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will start her visit to Ethiopia today.

During her stay here, the Managing Director will meet with different high-level Ethiopian government officials, including President Mulatu Teshome and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.

Moreover, she will deliver speeches at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and African Union (AU) as well as visit the Eastern Industry Zone in Dukem and Hamlin Fistula Hospitals.

According to a statement the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to FBC today, Ethiopia joined IMF, an organization of 189 countries, in December 27, 1945.

During the past 72 years, from 1996-2010 in particular, Ethiopia obtained special credit and technical support from the organization, including external debt burden reduction and cancellation, the statement added.

Ethiopia registered a double digit economic growth during the past 15 years, making the country one of the fastest economies in the world, as well as managed to reduce poverty to 23 percent from 56 percent between 1992-2007.

Moreover, the country, which is the seat for African Union and the third home for UN organizations, next to New York and Geneva, is also playing the leading role in continental and international organizations, such as IGAD and UN as well as in promoting green growth.

These, according to the Ministry, attracted the attention of international organizations.

Hence, Lagarde’s visit took into consideration all these successes and gives recognition for Ethiopia’s victory in the socio-economic and political sectors, the statement added.