Washington, 19 April 2026 (MIA) - Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, as part of her participation in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., held a meeting with IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li. At the meeting, the government’s commitment to further fiscal consolidation and reducing the budget deficit to below 3% in the medium term was noted and welcomed.

“The government and the Ministry of Finance remain firmly committed to gradual fiscal consolidation while simultaneously supporting economic growth through a high level of capital expenditures in the budget. A key priority is maintaining stability in public finances, especially in light of international developments and the challenges they pose, particularly for small and open economies such as ours,” Dimitrieska-Kochoska said, according to the Ministry of Finance.

She noted that alongside fiscal consolidation efforts, measures are being actively implemented to maintain and strengthen economic activity, which showed a positive trend in the second half of 2024 and throughout 2025, with growth rate around and above 3%.

At the meeting it was highlighted that fiscal consolidation is especially important for creating room in the budget for fiscal policy responses in crisis conditions. It was also noted that current measures are being implemented to support the economy and citizens amid rising energy prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

Dimitrieska-Kochoska said that the government is taking a cautious approach, closely monitoring the situation and implementing appropriate measures to address the challenges.

The interlocutors also reviewed and welcomed the findings of the IMF Article IV Mission report, conducted last month and called for further implementation of reforms in public finances, for which the country receives significant expertise from the IMF.

The launch of a new initiative to support Western Balkan countries and Moldova in strengthening institutions, policy-making and implementing reforms in line with European standards was also welcomed.

Finance Minister wrapped up her visit to Washington with a meeting with the IMF Deputy Managing Director, following her participation in the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings. During the visit, she held talks with senior IMF and World Bank officials, the U.S. Treasury and State Department, as well as several international financial institutions and corporations.

Photo: Ministry of Finance