An IMF delegation met the Central Bank governor and a team of ministers designated by PM Emil Boc in Bucharest. Three ministers were absent

The IMF delegation arrived in Romania on Tuesday to meet on Wednesday with Romania’s Central Bank (BNR) governor Mugur Isarescu and a group of ministers designated to negotiate with the IMF, according to Romanian news agency Mediafax, quoting governmental sources. The second IMF meeting might see PM Emil Boc taking part, sources say.

IMF representative discussed with the Central Bank and the Ministry of Public Finance.

The team named but the Romanian PM Emil Boc to meet the IMF representatives was supposed to be made up by Finance minister Gheorghe Pogea, Economy minister Adriean Videanu, Transport minister Radu Berceanu, Small and Medium Enterprises Constantin Nita and Work minister Marian Sarbu, but also vice-PM Dan Nica, according to the announcement lib-dem vice-president Gheorghe Flutur made on Monday.

Nevertheless, three ministers were absent, despite their negotiators’ role: Economy minister Adriean Videanu, Work minister Marian Sarbu and Transport minister Radu Berceanu. Theri reason might be the fact that they are away on holiday, though this has not been yet confirmed.

Government representatives had a „political meeting” with IMG and European Commission delegates at the Victoria Palace. The issues to be discussed may range from issues regarding governmental guarantees, to investment resources, the lack of tax for reinvested profit and the issue of budget deficit. The IMF delegation is led by Jeffrey Franks and is currently in Bucharest for the first stand-by agreement evaluation. The discussions are due to resume on August 10.

from the Romanian part, the meeting with the IMF was attended by Finance minister Gheorghe Pogea, Finance ministry secretary of state Bogdan Dragoi, Development minister Vasile Blaga, Viorel Hrebenciuc, Small and Medium Enterprises Constantin Nita, Finance secretary of state Gheorghe Gherghina, vice PM Dan Nica and Finance Ministry manager Georgia Babici.

Romania has a 12.95 billion euros stand-by agreement with the IMF for two years, but the total financing package from the IMF, the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is due to reach 19.95 billion euros.