IMF Deputy Managing Director, Tao Zhang, concludes visit to Mozambique, promises collaboration for reform agenda

&NewLine;<figure class&equals;"wp-block-image size-large"><img src&equals;"https&colon;&sol;&sol;openlife&period;ng&sol;wp-content&sol;uploads&sol;2020&sol;02&sol;Tao-Zhang&period;jpg" alt&equals;"" class&equals;"wp-image-2377"&sol;><&sol;figure>&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;&NewLine;<p class&equals;"wp-block-paragraph"><strong>Mr&period; Tao Zhang&comma; Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund &lpar;IMF&rpar;&comma; paid an official visit to Mozambique between February 8­-11&period; During his visit&comma;  Zhang  met with Ministers Maleiane&comma; Tonela&comma; and Mondlane&comma; Bank of Mozambique Governor Zandamela&comma; other senior officials&comma; and representatives from the private sector&comma; civil society&comma; and the international community&period;<br> He had the opportunity to tour a drought recovery and resilience project in rural Matutuíne&comma; financed by the African Development Bank&comma; and to visit a shelter for the vulnerable elderly in Maputo&period; At the conclusion of his visit&comma; Zhang made the following statements as made available to OpenLife by IMF media office<&sol;strong><br> <br> <em>It was a great privilege to visit Mozambique for the first time and learn firsthand of the opportunities and challenges facing the country&period; It was a particular honor to meet President Nyusi and hear his vision for the country&period;<br> I am happy that Mozambique’s economy is recovering from the effects of Tropical Cyclones Idai and Kenneth last year&period; For growth to accelerate further and become more inclusive&comma; it is important that economic policies remain prudent and reforms continue&period; These would include actions to strengthen governance and transparency&comma; address climate vulnerabilities&comma; and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals&period;<br> The LNG sector under development in northern Mozambique has sizable potential and&comma; given the appropriate policies and safeguards&comma; could lift millions of people out of poverty&period; It will also help reduce green-house gases&comma; although zero-emission fuels will ultimately be needed in the fight against climate change&period;<br> The IMF stands ready to further strengthen its collaboration with the Mozambican authorities and help advance their reform agenda&period;<&sol;em><br> <br> <br> <&sol;p>&NewLine;