Chisinau, August 20 (INFOTAG). The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is ready to assist Moldova in mitigating the impact of the global crisis and start discussions on a new program immediately after the appointment of an operational Government. Johan Mathisen, who is leaving the position of IMF’s Resident Representative in Moldova, told this to journalists during an Economic Press Club meeting.

According to INFOTAG, he stressed that the IMF is ready to provide any assistance, but “is waiting for the outcome of the current political process and the appointment of an operational Government”.

"If the new Government commits to stabilizing the financial and fiscal systems, ensures investment and private sector led economic growth, as well as social protection to the poor, then the IMF team could start discussions on a new program”, Mr. Mathisen said. He mentioned that until the crisis Moldova had a very positive development trend.

Given the crisis, both domestic and external borrowing will be needed, and it means not only concessional, but also commercial loans. One would expect that the borrowing on commercial terms will be more common in the future.

In Mr. Mathisen’s view, the first part of financial assistance from the IMF to Moldova could come no sooner than end-2009 – early 2010.

Johan Mathisen will continue his career at IMF headquarters in Washington D.C., in the Policy Wing of the European Department.