Washington, 23rd September 2011 (MIA) – The latest data on GDP growth of 5.3% for the second quarter of the year is positive performance and I would say exceeds the Government’s expectations for this period of the year, which only confirms that Macedonian economy is set on sound fundamentals and the policy aimed at increasing public investments by supporting construction and industry is yielding results as a whole, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Zoran Stavreski, leading Macedonian delegation at the Annual IMF and World Bank Assembly, said in Washington.

Stavreski told MIA that specifically the construction and the industry were drivers of the economic growth in the second quarter of the year and that he expects for these data to be acknowledged by the IMF and the World Bank.

Stavreski, being accompanied by the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia, Dimitar Bogov, pointed out that the Annual Assembly of these two global financial institutions is held in conditions when the global economy faces new big challenges, above all slowdown of the growth of the American and Chinese economies and the debt crisis in Europe. These issues are the main topics that will be addressed by the Forum participants, also including the topic related to the financial situation of the developed countries.

During the meetings with the IMF and the World Bank top officials, Macedonia’s economic situation, as well as its performance in the first six months of this year will be presented, and at the same time, support for realization of significant projects in Macedonia will be sought from these two renowned financial institutions.

– I expect for the IMF and the World Bank to confirm the total amount of funds that will be extended to our country, aimed at supporting our projects in the coming period. Our talks will focus on Government’s priorities, mainly investments in the field of infrastructure, energy and education, Vice Prime Minister Stavreski said.

Today and tomorrow, it is envisaged for Vice Prime Minister Stavreski to meet IMF Executive Director Mr. Age F.P. Bakker, IMF Mission Chief for Macedonia Wes McGrew, World Bank Vice President Philip Le Houerou and Country Director and Regional Coordinator for Southwest Europe Jane Armitage, as well as other high officials from these two financial institutions.

The autumn meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, being held each year, are attended by Finance Ministers and Governors of the Central Banks of the Member States, discussing current developments and issues in the global economy.