Costa Rica Imf Tender

An International Monetary Fund IMF team led by Manuela Goretti visited San Jos Costa Rica on June 14-16 2022 to meet with the new government and discuss their policy priorities under the economic reform program supported by the Extended Fund Facility EFF. At the conclusion of the visit Ms. Goretti issued the following statementThe team discussed with the authorities recent economic developments and the outlook for Costa Rica amid heightened external pressures and the ongoing pandemic. Higher global commodity prices are weighing on the current account and international reserves through a rising oil import bill in the context of sustained capital outflows from local pension funds. External pressures are also feeding through to inflation which is increasing rapidly beyond the Central Bank of Costa Ricas BCCR tolerance band. After a strong rebound in 2021 with real GDP growth reaching 7.8 percent high frequency indicators point to a softening in economic activity in 2022.In the face of these new challenges the team discussed with the authorities their policy priorities in preparation for the third review mission under the EFF later in the year. The authorities renewed their firm commitment to ensuring debt sustainability while safeguarding monetary and financial stability and protecting the most vulnerable amid rising global and domestic pressures.They emphasized their ongoing efforts to strengthen policies to boost productivity and foster green and inclusive growth. In this context they expressed interest in the IMFs new Resilience and Sustainability Facility to advance Costa Ricas pioneering efforts to adapt to climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy while generating new jobs and growth opportunities.The IMF team would like to thank the authorities for their kind hospitality and fruitful discussions and stands ready to continue to support the government of Costa Rica in the implementation of its ambitious economic reform program.