Serbia is set to host the IMF constituency meeting in 2030, reflecting its strong economic position.
- The IMF meeting will take place in 2030, over two decades since Serbia last hosted it.
- Serbia's economy is showing strength with low inflation and high foreign exchange reserves.
- The National Bank of Serbia emphasizes cautious monetary policy amid growth expectations.
Serbia will host a meeting of the Swiss-led IMF Constituency in 2030, after the proposal was adopted at a gathering in Bangkok on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings, the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) said on Thursday.
The NBS said representatives acting on behalf of the Republic of Serbia attended the Bangkok meeting, where members backed the plan for Serbia to serve as host more than two decades after it last welcomed the group in 2009.
In its statement, the central bank linked the decision to Serbia’s broader economic position. It said the country is dealing with the main issues highlighted by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, energy, public debt and artificial intelligence, from a position of strength.
According to the NBS, inflation is within the target band, public debt is on a downward path, foreign exchange reserves are at a record high and growth is among the strongest in Europe. The bank also said it is keeping monetary policy cautious because, as it put it, caution is a matter of responsibility.
The NBS added that confidence is also supported by a relatively stable dinar, with dinar savings accounting for more than 11 pct of total savings. It said gold now makes up around 22 pct of foreign exchange reserves, while non-performing loans in the banking sector are at a historic low of below 2 pct.
On growth, the bank said the economy expanded by 3.5 pct in H1 and expects acceleration to 4.5 pct in 2027, the year of Expo. It also said goods exports rose by over 9 pct in the first seven months of the year, while the export-to-import coverage ratio reached around 95 pct, a record level.
The NBS said cooperation with the IMF and countries in the Constituency also helps Serbia deepen economic ties in investment, trade, infrastructure, energy, agriculture and innovation. For foreign companies and investors, such meetings are often used to discuss economic policy, financing conditions and regional cooperation.
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Frequently asked questions
When will Serbia host the IMF meeting?
Serbia is scheduled to host the IMF constituency meeting in 2030.
What factors contributed to Serbia being chosen as the host?
Serbia's strong economic position, including low public debt and high foreign exchange reserves, played a key role.
How has Serbia's economy performed recently?
Serbia's economy expanded by 3.5% in the first half of the year and is expected to accelerate further.
