Skopje, 25 February 2025 (MIA) - National Bank Governor Anita Angelovska Bezhoska met Tuesday with Marnix van Rij, Alternate Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who is visiting the country within the IMF’s mission to assess the country’s macroeconomic policies.

In a press release, the National Bank said the meeting discussed the central bank policies taken in a period of consecutive crises, as well as the challenges for the period ahead. According to the Bank, the meeting further assessed that the adequate policies and measures have significantly reduced inflationary pressures, while maintaining the stability of the exchange rate as a nominal anchor, increasing foreign reserves and preserving a sound banking system.

“All these topics have been regularly discussed with IMF representatives within the consultations under Article IV of the Fund's Articles of Agreement. Marnix van Rij took positive note of the manner of implementation of the National Bank’s monetary and macro-prudential policy and emphasized the need for further prudent policy conduct, given the ongoing external risks,” the press release added.

The Governor expressed the central bank’s commitment to maintaining the overall macroeconomic stability, particularly referring to the need for vigilance amid increased global uncertainties, as well as domestic risks. She also addressed the banking system, emphasizing that the National Bank has been continuously undertaking multiple macro-prudential measures aimed to further strengthen the banking sector resilience.

“As a result, data show improved banking sector resilience compared to the pre-crisis period, with the highest capital adequacy in the past two decades,” said Angelovska-Bezhoska.

The meeting also discussed the importance of the central bank independence for the successful achievement of its statutory goals.    

Photo: National Bank