IMF Asks Ukraine For Results In Fight Against Graft

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde (file photo)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging Ukraine to show progress in fighting corruption and pushing through other reforms.

“Tackling corruption and reducing the influence of vested interests on policy making remain key challenges,” the Washington-based lender said in a report published on October 3.

“Progress in tackling corruption, privatizing state-owned enterprises, and advancing pension reform has been slower than envisaged against significant political resistance,” it added.

The report also warned that resistance to reform will derail the conflict-wracked country’s economic recovery and bailout program from the IMF.

Ukraine received $1 billion from the IMF last month, its third tranche of money under a $17.5 billion bailout program.

The disbursement had been delayed for a year due to political upheaval and slow progress on implementing reforms.

Based on reporting by Reuters and Bloomberg