The government does not discuss with the IMF plans to revise tariffs for energy and utilities

The International Monetary Fund does not have any recommendations for a review of tariffs for energy and utilities, and in the course of the mission's visit to Baku  the government did not shared its plans in this regard, said the head of the IMF mission to Azerbaijan, Raja Almarzogi  at  today’s press conference on the results of the visit (8- 15th November) on the assessment  recent economic processes, answering the question  from Turan agency.

The IMF noted that  no discussions with the government on changes in tariffs were conducted. "We only recommend to implement measures to increase state budget revenues from the oil sector," said Almarzogi .

Assessing the economic situation of the country and the plans for 2014, he said that after the stabilization of oil  production the prospects in Azerbaijan  for next year are encouraging : GDP growth for 2014, like this year, is expected to reach 5%. Inflation will vary between 3%.

Mission welcomed specific steps the government on fiscal policy , improving the efficiency of public expenditure and pension reform.

"Improving the business climate will expand into new markets. And this requires compliance with the requirements of the Customs Code, the completion of the process of joining the World Trade Organization, to improve the management  in the whole," said Almarzogi . In parallel, he welcomed the adoption of the law on inspections in the field of entrepreneurship and the fact that the banking and insurance sectors not covered by this document. --08C—