Skopje, 5 September 2023 (MIA) — The central bank's policies and measures are gradually lessening price pressures and the banking system has improved its resilience amid conditions of prolonged uncertainty, according to newly appointed head of the Skopje Office of the International Monetary Fund Sebastian Sosa at a meeting with National Bank governor Anita Angelovska Bezhoska and outgoing IMF regional resident representative Stephanie Eble.

According to the central bank in a press release, meeting participants concluded that the banking system was liquid and adequately capitalized, reliable and stable.

In addition, they said the macroprudential and microprudential measures of the National Bank had significantly contributed to the growth of the banks' capitalization.

The quality of the demand for loans is also improving, the release says, adding that the IMF representatives said the central bank's prudent policies should continue as they were giving good results.

Meeting participants also said the central bank was successfuly maintaining the official exchange rate and the medium-term price stability despite prolonged crises.

Also noted was the ongoing successful cooperation between the National Bank and the IMF in several areas related to policy management as well as on major development projects that strengthened the central bank's institutional capacity.

Governor Angelovska Bezhoska thanked the outgoing IMF resident representative on the excellent cooperation, pointing out that the central bank would continue working with the IMF in carrying out policies and strengthening its capacity. mr/