David Lipton, first deputy managing director of the IMF issued a statement at the conclusion of his visit to Iran on Wednesday, thanking the Iranian authorities for the opportunity to visit the country for the first time.
“I had extensive and enriching discussions with a broad range of policymakers and representatives from different sectors of the economy. My visit came at a crucial moment for the Iranian economy, as it begins to reintegrate following the recent implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). With an improved economic outlook in prospect, there is a unique opportunity to begin implementing reforms to entrench macroeconomic stability and promote higher sustainable and inclusive growth,” he said.
“In recent years, the authorities have made considerable progress in restoring macroeconomic stability under difficult circumstances. Inflation has declined from 45% percent in 2013 to around 8% recently, the foreign exchange market has stabilized, and some key reforms have been implemented.
“The implementation of the JCPOA bodes well for the outlook. Higher oil exports, along with lower costs of trade and financial transactions, as Iranian banks reconnect to the international financial system, would help support the economy, with real GDP growth projected at 4-4.5% over the medium term.
