A symbolic action was organised in Washington on Friday evening to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Tunisia’s membership of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It was initiated by two Tunisian university professors living in Canada.

This action was welcomed by several people, including the IMF’s managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, who was present.

Academics Samir Trabelsi and Moktar Lamari, took the opportunity to present a cake decorated with the Tunisian flag and the IMF logo. They also displayed a document on the history of Tunisia’s membership of the IMF, which dates back to April 14? 1958.

Tunisia officially joined the Fund on April 14, 1958 and the Act of Accession was signed by then Tunisian Ambassador to the United States, Mongi Slim.

Tunisia’s quota in the IMF was $12 million and its contribution to the Fund’s capital was 120 shares with a total nominal value of $12 million.

In the context of global economic developments and economic difficulties, Tunisia is currently being forced to adopt radical and difficult reform programmes in order to secure a loan of pound 1.9 billion.

The two Tunisian academics and government officials took the opportunity to stress the importance of Tunisia’s relations with the IMF and the relevance of Tunisia’s demands and fears of a social explosion if certain reforms, such as the removal of subsidies, were accelerated.

The academic Samir Trabelsi said “after 65 years of partnership and cooperation, Tunisia has begun negotiations with the IMF to reach an agreement to mobilise $1.9 billion to finance the state budget, but it was not an easy journey. However, statements by IMF officials have provided a glimmer of hope for the resumption of negotiations.

He called on Najla Bouden’s government to update the programme, taking into account the social aspect of the reforms, with the participation of experts and economic actors, so that it is approved by all and facilitates the implementation of the reforms.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse