On March 21, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2018 Article IV consultation with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Following a strong rebound in the aftermath of the 2016 nuclear agreement, real GDP growth is expected to reach 4.3 percent in 2017/18. In the first half of 2017/18, recovery broadened to the non-oil sector, aided by supportive fiscal and monetary policies and a recovery in construction and services activity. The unemployment rate declined to 11.7 percent in the first half of 2017/18, but remained particularly high for youth and women. Inflation averaged 9.9 percent during the first 11 months of 2017/18 aided by moderation in food prices and stable administered prices. The foreign exchange market experienced volatility in early 2018; following the increase in interest rates in February, the spread between the official and the market rate narrowed to under 20 percent.
Real GDP growth is expected to ease to 4 percent in 2018/19, as oil production stabilizes in line with Iran’s OPEC cap, and is forecast to average 4½ percent over the medium-term. The current account is expected to remain in surplus as improved oil prices and higher gas exports allow international reserve buffers to rise gradually. On-going uncertainty is expected to keep FDI subdued and hamper the further expansion of Correspondent Bank Relations (CBRs). Inflation is expected to be contained around 12 percent in 2018/19 as liquidity growth is curbed to limit the second-round effects of the recent depreciation in the exchange rate. The pace of job creation lags that needed to absorb the large number of new entrants joining the labor market, implying that unemployment could remain above 11 percent.
Directors welcomed the macroeconomic progress made by Iran, particularly in broadening the recovery of the non-oil sector following the lifting of sanctions. However, Directors noted that a weak banking sector, structural bottlenecks, and heightened uncertainty pose risks. To create jobs for the highly educated youth, improve living standards, and achieve higher growth rates, they encouraged the authorities to persevere with prudent policies and pursue deep multifaceted reforms despite the challenging domestic and geopolitical environment.
Directors underscored that financial sector reform should be a priority, in particular recapitalization and restructuring of viable banks, and resolution of non-viable ones. They highlighted that state-controlled banks should start preparing and implementing recovery plans as soon as possible even as they await the initiation of the planned Asset Quality Review. Directors welcomed the progress in strengthening the AML/CFT framework. They encouraged timely passage and implementation of the AML and CFT amendments in line with the FATF action plan. This would help restore confidence in the system and facilitate correspondent banking relationships.
Directors emphasized that continued efforts to unify the dual exchange rate, together with a clear communication strategy and tighter monetary conditions, would support the transition to a market-based monetary policy framework. They also highlighted the need to securitize government’s debt to the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) and provide the CBI full autonomy. Directors agreed that the new Central Bank Law should enhance the CBI’s autonomy and make price stability the core objective of monetary policy.
Directors recognized the authorities’ efforts to contain the cash-based fiscal deficit. Going forward, they saw need for broad-based, growth-friendly measures to contain fiscal deficits and debt as well as create space for higher social and investment spending.
Directors underscored that adjustment efforts should be gradual and continue to focus on mobilizing tax revenue, removing exemptions, reducing fuel subsidies, and reforming the pension system. They emphasized that targeting cash transfers to the poor will be important to create space and make the adjustment more equitable. Directors also encouraged the authorities to develop a medium-term debt management strategy.
Directors emphasized that deeper reforms are needed to close the infrastructure gap, create more jobs, and further reduce poverty.
They highlighted that reform efforts should focus on diversifying the economy, improving the business climate (especially reducing red tape), modernizing regulations, strengthening the bankruptcy framework, and easing market entry. They encouraged the authorities to facilitate greater female labor force participation by reducing barriers, subsidizing child care to low income women, and tackling informality.
