IMF Executive Board Concludes 2018 Article IV Consultation with the Russian Federation | WPN World People News

On September 7, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with the Russian Federation.

Russia’s economy is recovering from the 2015–16 recession, thanks to the authorities’ effective policy response and higher oil prices. Output increased by 1.5 percent in 2017 on the back of robust domestic demand, but short of expectations. Inflation has fallen well below the CBR's 4 percent target since July 2017, driven by a weaker-than-expected recovery, tight monetary policy, as well as temporary effects on food and energy prices.

Growth is projected at 1.7 percent in 2018, supported by rising credit and disposable incomes. Headline inflation is projected to bounce back during the second half of 2018 to 3.5 percent at year-end, supported by the ongoing domestic demand recovery, passthrough from the recent ruble depreciation, and the fading of temporary factors. The medium-term outlook remains muted, due to structural bottlenecks and the lingering impact of sanctions. Absent structural reforms, growth is expected to settle around 1.5 percent, while monetary policy stabilizes inflation around 4 percent by end-2019. The main risks to the outlook stem from geopolitical tensions as well as the new government’s policy plans.

Executive Board Assessment

Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities for establishing a strong macroeconomic policy framework that has strengthened economic resilience. Directors noted that despite the ongoing recovery, the medium‑term outlook remains subdued. This reflects uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions and shifting global trade and financial conditions. The large footprint of the state, governance and institutional weaknesses, and insufficient infrastructure constitute structural reform priorities. Directors emphasized the importance of implementing structural reforms to boost productivity and the supply of labor and capital to enhance medium‑term growth.

Directors agreed that the fiscal rule helps shield the economy from fluctuations in oil prices and anchors fiscal policy. They emphasized the importance of preserving the hard‑won credibility of the macroeconomic policy framework. Directors encouraged continued fiscal consolidation to rebuild buffers and reach a position consistent with sharing equitably Russia’s natural resources with future generations.

Directors welcomed the authorities’ plans to boost spending on health, education, and infrastructure, with most emphasizing that this could be achieved within the confines of the fiscal rule. They supported the authorities’ plans for parametric pension reform, which could help to offset negative demographic trends. Directors called for better targeting of expenditure on social assistance and strengthening tax compliance and reducing tax expenditures. They encouraged the authorities to engineer a growth‑friendly shift from social security contributions to consumption taxes which could incentivize labor supply, reduce labor informality, and attract new investment.

Directors welcomed the Central Bank of Russia’s (CBR) plans to maintain its gradual and data‑driven approach in setting monetary policy, as inflation expectations are not yet firmly anchored and risks to the inflation outlook have increased. They broadly agreed that further monetary easing could be appropriate if headline inflation remains below the 4 percent target and underlying inflationary pressures stay low. Continued efforts to refine the CBR’s communications strategy were encouraged.

Directors commended the progress made to restructure the banking sector. However, they noted last year’s failure of several large banks and pointed to significant shortcomings in the sector. In this regard, Directors urged the authorities to complete the cleanup of the banking sector, close the gaps in bank supervision and regulation, including addressing related‑party lending, and further efforts to complete the asset quality evaluations. They underscored the importance of having a credible strategy for returning rehabilitated banks to private hands in a way that is consistent with increasing competition and efficiency. Continued efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework were also encouraged.

Directors noted that raising growth requires stronger competition in domestic markets, a leaner state, and a more vibrant private sector. They supported measures to reduce the footprint of the state, particularly in banking and other sectors with limited rationale for public ownership in a gradual manner in line with a strengthened institutional architecture. Directors recommended strengthening transparency, accountability, and governance standards in state‑owned enterprises and the corporate sector more generally to improve the business environment. They noted that the authorities could accelerate productivity growth by persisting with their efforts to strengthen competitiveness, promote trade integration, and further diversify exports.

It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with the Russian Federation will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle.

Source: International Monetary Fund