IMF: Economy growth of 2.2% next year. The Government dropped the ball on arrears

Schaechter covered the most important topics negotiated by the delegation with the Romanian government in the past week.

The natural gas market for industrial consumers will be completely liberalized by the middle of 2014

The process of decentralization in the gas market for industrial consumers will be finalized by the middle of 2014, earlier than initially estimated.

“Regarding dereglementation, Romania observed and respected its commitments. For electrical energy, the market was already liberalized for industrial consumers at January 1, right on schedule. The liberalization for natural gases will be completed by july 1 2014, earlier than we estimated”.

“The EUR 1 bln decrease in arrears to be achieved by the end of December is a failed objective. We hope the Government can recuperated. These companies must be restructured. We have set quarterly targets and the next target is under EUR 1 bln”.

The negotiation for reducing social contributions will take place nest summer

The suggestion to decrease employer social contributions by 5% will be analysed nest summer, depending on budgetary evolution.

Postponing the fuel excise tax hike must be covered by freezing expenses. 

The IMF mission chief expects new jobs in the services and increased consumption.