Japan's Support to IMF Technical Advisors Importantly Contributed to the Improved PFM in SEE Region
The CEF hosts two IMF FAD technical advisors and their support staff, whose efforts were until recently funded by the Japanese government. To thank the Japanese government for this important contribution to the improved management of public finances in countries of SEE we together with the IMF organized a reception where we invited our partners that share our commitment to the region’s reform efforts.
High level representatives from regional public financial institutions, country ambassadors and representatives of international organizations attended the event. Mr. Dušan Mramor, Minister of Finance, Slovenia, Ms. Mira Dobovišek, CEF Director, Mr. Christopher Towe, Deputy Director, IMF's Fiscal Affairs Department, H. E. Mr. Shigemi Jomori, Ambassador of Japan to Slovenia and Mr. Bernard Brunet, Head of Unit, European Commission, DG NEAR addressed the guests.
The Japanese Government recognized the importance of presence of the IMF technical assistance advisors and started supporting them back in 1998. Italy, Norway, Slovenia and Sweden followed the Japanese example with intermediary contributions. The European Union took up the baton from Japan in June 2015. Neverheless we hope Japan will remain involved in supporting public financial management reforms in SEE also through other projects.
Close cooperation between CEF and IMF technical advisors that use the CEF as hub for their missions and unique synergies in our work promote sustainable capacity development in our member countries. Our organizations' efforts in the region are complementary and mutually reinforcing. IMF technical assistance missions help pinpoint needs for learning and knowledge sharing among practitioners.
The CEF designs workshops that address these needs, bringing together peer institutions and experts from the region and beyond. Many of the learning activities are delivered by the IMF's advisors, who contribute content that is strongly informed by their missions. This learning deepens the benefits of technical assistance while helping the IMF advisors prioritize areas that need further work. These unique synergies have contributed to a steady rise in our member countries' demand for help with capacity development.