This is the conclusion of a mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Mr. John Wakeman-Linn that visited Libreville.

“The IMF mission was appraised of the emerging economic plans and of the new government's priorities for 2010 which aim at promoting the Gabonese economy, including through the implementation of a very ambitious investment program, the improvement of the business environment and better governance.

“The IMF mission indicated its willingness to support the authorities in the implementation of their program. However, the mission believes that it is crucial to also emphasize maintaining macro-economic stability while avoiding inflationary pressures which negatively impact the population and fiscal sustainability. The mission advises the authorities to remain ready to revisit their expenditure plans in the context of the 2010 budget and in the medium term if they want to reach their objectives of promoting macro-economic stability and fiscal sustainability.

“Although investment is necessary for Gabon's long-term growth and development, the government's very ambitious investment plan, focusing in large part on infrastructure, may not bring the expected results. The mission encouraged the authorities to review the pace of investment acceleration and to rapidly put to the test the new measures taken to improve efficiency and rationalize the public expenditure chain, focusing mainly on government investment expenditures.

“Within the framework of structural reforms, the mission supports the government's focus on improving governance. The mission underlines the close connection between the improvement of governance and the successful diversification of the Gabonese economy.