(Business in Cameroon) - A joint International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank team is in Cameroon to assess the country’s economic performance during the 2013 fiscal year and to discuss the 2014 economic prospects with development stakeholders. The team led by Mario de Zamaroczy on November 19, 2013 held talks with the Minister of Finance, Alamine Ousmane Mey.

The working session between the two parties focused on recent economic and financial development, economic and financial prospects, reforms on course, state of banks in difficulties, the next Article IV Consultation as well as preparation for a conference on financing infrastructure billed for March 2014.

Traditionally, the joint IMF/World Bank team visits the country twice a year, in spring when it has a larger and longer mission to review economic development, look at future development and challenges. “This one now is a working visit, a smaller and shorter mission, and we are particularly interested, this time around, in the execution of the budget of 2013,” the team leader told the press. “We present our independent and external view on a number of major issues confronting the country. We advice the authorities on how we would recommend on decision-making process. We will also discuss with them the challenges that are confronting the sub-region and Cameroon.”