An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Ron van Rooden, visited Banja Luka and Sarajevo during May 15-24, 2013, to discuss recent economic developments and policies for the third review under Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. van Rooden issued the following statement:

“The mission assessed performance against end-March program targets and discussed further structural reforms aimed at strengthening public finances, preserving financial stability, and creating more opportunities for investment and job creation. The mission expects to resolve outstanding technical issues in the coming days. The mission commends the authorities on their performance under the program so far, and particularly on securing the adoption of the new law on privileged pensions in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mission looks forward to this law coming into effect, which would pave the way for consideration of the third review of the SBA by the IMF Executive Board.”