Visiting Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Rodrigo De Rato said in Lusaka Thursday that transparency and accountability in the use of public resources will continue to be key elements in Zambia's economic development.

During his meeting with Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, Rato said that there is need to urgently address the HIV/AIDS scourge and improve food security in Zambia's quest to address poverty levels and attain all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The MDGs are contained in the millennium declaration adopted by the United Nations millennium summit in September 2000. They consist of the following eight goals: eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, attain universal primary education in all countries by 2015, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development.

The IMF boss commended Mwanawasa and his government for the positive economic growth and improvements in the economy.

Rato said the IMF looks forward to the successful completion by Zambia of its transitional National Development Plan.

Mwanawasa said he wants his government's good coordination with the IMF to continue.

Rato is in Lusaka to attend IMF regional round table on debt relief and challenge of increased aid. The three-day meeting started Wednesday are being attended by finance ministers from Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia, Ghana, Ethiopia and Uganda. The delegates from the World Bank and European Union are also attending the meeting.

The round table meeting is discussing how to enhance private involvement in economic development and poverty reduction strategies and transparently and efficiently use the financial resources saved from the debt relief to enhance African economic growth and macroeconomic stability.

Source: Xinhua