Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Oct. 10 /Trend, D. Azizov/
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes that lowering inflation, increasing productivity, diversifying and strengthening the competitiveness of the economy is one of the main priorities of macroeconomic policy, the IMF Mission's statement, published on Uzbekistan's media outlet's website said.
From September 25 to October 2, the IMF Mission headed by the Deputy Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department Veronica Bacalu discussed the current economic situation and prospects of the economy with the authorities of Uzbekistan.
"Acceleration of structural reforms would have helped to growth of productivity, providing sustainable and inclusive growth," the statement said.
The mission noted that Uzbekistan's economy continues to grow at rapid rates. Strong fiscal and external positions, a stable banking system and the low level of government debt continue to contribute to the achievement of sustainable macroeconomic outcomes.
In the first half of 2013, real GDP growth remained at eight per cent, exports of goods and services increased by 12 percent. Despite the rapid growth of imports, which was mainly due to imports of investment goods, the surplus in the current account increased slightly, while international reserves remained at a high level.