Sun02052012

Last update02:54:17 PM GMT

Kosovo applies for IMF and World Bank membership

  • PDF
Image
The Republic of Kosovo has applied for membership in the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Kosovo government announced on Thursday.
 
The applications were signed and delivered on Thursday in Brussels by the Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi during an evening the Kosovo government had organized before the donors’ conference that took place on Friday.
 
Kosovo economic analysts expect a positive answer by the end of the year. Entry into the two global financial institutions is expected to help the economic development of Kosovo.

Part of this funding will be used to pay off the Kosovo’s share of the debt of ex-Yugoslavia towards the Paris Club and the World Bank, another for technical assistance and the rest for concrete projects.

Membership in the United Nations where Russia holds a veto is not a precondition to join the two financial institutions. Voting power at IMF and WB depends on the capital that each country contributes and the countries that have already recognized Kosovo hold over 60% of the capital.

Membership in the IMF allows Kosovo use of long term loans to fund investments in development of infrastructure and other capital projects. IMF membership is also a precondition for joining the World Bank.   

At the donors’ conference on Friday Kosovo secured grants of 1.2 billion euros, which Kosovo PM called a resounding success. Participating at the conference were 37 countries and 16 institutions.

Comments (2)

Work Time said:

0
...
Play Time: true, there have been problems. But based on these past bad experiences with some countries, the IMF and the WB will both be monitoring usage of the money more closely so that measures can be taken before any real damage is done. Also, the Kosovars will be receiving advice from the EU countries, most of which have good records in managing their own economies.
 
July 15, 2008
Votes: -5

PaRTY Time said:

0
...
Yes but once again, we have to be careful with these institutions. Their effect on micro-economies is ambivalent, most of the underdevelopped countries experienced a painful relationship with them.
 
July 13, 2008
Votes: -1

Write comment
smaller | bigger

busy

Anna Wiman

Anna Wiman
Freelance Writer and photographer

Elizabeth Gowing

Elizabeth Gowing
Co-Founder at The Ideas Partnership NGO

Henry H. Perritt Jr.

Henry H. Perritt Jr.
Professor of Law Chicago-Kent College

Drilon Gashi

Drilon Gashi
Comm. Counselor to the Prime Minister

Arlind V. Bytyqi

Arlind V. Bytyqi
Editor-in-chief
New Kosova Report
 

Book reviews

Books on Kosovo

Book Review

Interested on learning more about Kosovo, its history and culture?

Then go ahead to our book review section and find the latest book reviews from various authors and scholars!