The main points from the consultation are:
- The economy grew 3.2 percent in 2016 down from 4.9 percent in 2015. Growth is projected to be 2.7 percent in 2017.
- The overall fiscal surplus fell to 4.2 percent compared to 2015 mainly due to a fall in CBI receipts.
- The stock of debt fell and is projected to reach 60 percent of GDP by 2018.
- While significant effort has been made to strengthen the CBI program, estimates for CBI receipts remain conservative due to competition and global security concerns.
- Other concerns include a stronger U.S. dollar, natural disasters, loss of correspondent banking relationships and weakened fiscal framework due to exemptions on import duties and VAT.
- Plans to establish Universal Health Care and a Sovereign Wealth Fund were commended. Initiatives to prevent further loss of correspondent banking relationships and the establishment of the EC Asset Management Company were encouraged.
Link: http://www.caribbeannewsnow.com/headline-IMF-concludes-mission-to-St-Kitts-Nevis-34447.html