The IMF Board of Directors could sign a new work program with Moldova by the end of this year if the Parliament meets in session and approves a draft law to strengthen the independence of the National Bank, PM Ion Chicu said on Monday. 

"We had discussions last week with senior IMF officials, we also agreed on the schedule for approving the country's new program with the IMF. After the second round, we will go to the Parliament with the draft law strengthening the independence of the NBM. I hope that this project will be voted in the Parliament, so that the IMF Board of Directors will approve this program during 2020 ", Ion Chicu declared.

PUBLIKA.MD states that the new program with the IMF will be completed for three years and has a financial component of about $ 558 million, 85% which will be directed to budget support and only a small amount will go to replenish foreign exchange reserves of the National Bank.