Anne Krueger, First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said yesterday the organisation 'would be happy to negotiate with Argentina'.
However, Krueger admitted 'there is no expectation about when talks will begin'. Earlier this week, Argentine Finance Secretary Guillermo Nielsen had said talks on a new agreement with the IMF would begin 'by year end'. Argentina's Economy Ministry is seeking to reach a new agreement before the first quarter of next year, in order to refinance part of its debt expiring in 2006 and 2007.
According to surveyed economists, Argentina's GDP is likely to report an 8% growth this year.