Pension reform "key issue" for Ukraine’s next IMF tranche - statement

“The IMF is emphasizing the pension reform as a key issue for Ukraine’s next tranche,” Murray said.

“We’re indeed in close contact with the [Ukrainian] authorities regarding pension reform. Its implementation remains critical condition for the fourth review of the IMF program with Ukraine. We urge the authorities and the parliament to ensure that the adopted pension law achieves the objectives of the reform which have been worked out in liaison with the IMF and the World Bank,” said the IMF spokesman.

Read alsoUkraine cannot stop halfway – Finance MinisterAccording to the official, the Fund is ready to “further cooperate closely with the authorities on any possible revisions the draft pension law will require in order to meet the objectives of the reform.”

As UNIAN reported earlier, in March 2015, the IMF approved a four-year Extended Fund Facility for Ukraine totaling $17.5 billion. Within the program’s framework, Ukraine has already received four loan tranches worth a total of $8.7 billion.

Read alsoReuters: Ukraine pension reform changes worry World Bank, IMFOn September 15, IMF spokesman told reporters that, in order to see a successful completion of the EFF’s fourth review, Ukraine had to adopt pension reform, accelerate privatization and show concrete results in its fight against corruption.

The IMF mission was expected to visit Ukraine in the second part of September but the Fund has not yet confirmed the mission’s schedule.