International Money Fund (IMF) Article IV Staff Report on South Africa; and
responds to fiscal recommendations of the Task Team on Synthetic Fuels.
2 Aug 2007
The Minister of Finance Mr Trevor A Manuel, MP, invites you to a media
briefing about the release of the IMF Article IV Staff Report on South Africa;
and his reponse to the fiscal recommendations of the task team on synthetic
fuels.
The 2007 IMF country report discusses macroeconomic policies, structural and
social issues and in each of these areas South Africa is given positive
assessments, including success in stabilising the economy through skilful
macroeconomic management and considerable progress in structural reforms.
The Report also notes the major policy challenges facing South Africa, which
include achieving higher, sustained economic growth, a substantial reduction in
unemployment, poverty and a continued fight against the prevalence of HIV and
AIDS.
The findings of this report reflect government's continued commitment to
sound fiscal and monetary policy and commitment to greater transparency. A copy
of the full report will be available on the International Monetary Fund website
- http://www.imf.org and on the National
Treasury's website - http://www.treasury.gov.za on Monday, 6 August
2007.
Minister Manuel will also respond to the fiscal recommendations of the task
team that he appointed to investigate possible reforms to the fiscal regime
applicable to windfall profits in the liquid fuels sector, with particular
reference to synthetic fuels. The task team, headed by Dr Zavareh Rustomjee,
was appointed in May 2006 and submitted their recommendations to Minister
Manuel on 9 February 2007. The Minister is now in a position to respond to the
recommendations.
Date: 6 August 2007
Time: 11h00
Venue: 40 Church Square, Pretoria
To confirm attendance please contact:
Sinombulelo Mlisa
Tel: 012 315 5170
Cell: 083 651 0238
Confirm before 14h00 on 3 August 2007 as parking arrangements will have to
be made.
Issued by: National Treasury
2 August 2007
