WASHINGTON: International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday that the global economic crisis spurred by the coronavirus could ultimately test the Fund’s US$1 tril (RM4.28 tril) in total resources, “but we’re not there yet.”
Georgieva told a webcast event that it was now clear that an economic recovery would have to get underway without a medical breakthrough and the virus’ presence still widespread throughout the world.
IMF member countries were standing by to provide more support to the Fund if necessary, she said.
The IMF on Tuesday forecast a deeper global recession than initially anticipated, as business closures, travel restrictions and social distancing measures persist in most countries.
It now anticipates a global GDP contraction of 4.9% this year and a total output loss of US$12 tril through the end of 2021.
“We still have about three-quarters of our lending capacity available,” Georgieva said.
“I wouldn’t put it beyond us that we might be in a place where the IMF resources are being tested, but we’re not there yet.”
Regarding the possibility of additional resources, she said: “Our members are telling us, ‘Everything is on the table. You come to us if you need to do more of something, we are there for you.’”
The IMF has been rapidly deploying some US$100 bil in emergency financing and has now provided loans and grants to 72 countries in just over seven weeks, Georgieva said. – June 26, 2020, Reuters
