MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina again appeals to the IMF; mission arrives for two weeks talks

“The staff of the IMF and the Argentine government considered that, in the current circumstances, this type of program is the best choice,” Guzman said

Argentina will seek an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to replace a failed US$ 57 billion facility, Economy Minister Guzman said on Monday, potentially buying the country more time to make repayments.

The EFF is a longer-term program that typically requires more economic reforms than a standby agreement. Argentina would expect to repay the IMF between four and a half years and 10 years after the start of the agreement, Guzman said, adding that he aimed to secure a new deal by April.

A longer-term deeper structural reform package as part of an EFF could be a positive signal for investors who are looking to the government for a commitment to a sustainable economic plan.

Argentina has recently emerged from a sovereign default after restructuring almost US$65 billion in foreign currency bonds. It faces formal talks with an IMF mission starting on Tuesday for a deal to replace the 2018 agreement, which has already seen around US$ 44 billion disbursed.

Argentina was looking for funds “to meet all maturities, capital plus interest,” Guzman said.

“The staff of the IMF and the Argentine government considered that, in the current circumstances, this type of program is the best choice,” Guzman said to journalists.

A mission from the IMF is due to start negotiations with the government on Tuesday and will stay in Argentina for about two weeks, Guzman said. Argentina and the IMF will advance with Article IV talks, Guzman added, which would allow the IMF to inspect Argentina’s accounts.

The Ministry of Economy said earlier on Monday that it would send a bill to Congress that would establish the legislature as the final approver of agreements with the IMF and the issuance of new foreign debt.

The bill would mean no IMF deal could go ahead without Congress support nor could the government issue foreign debt without backing from lawmakers.