Tunisia cuts 2021 growth forecast to 2.6%, fiscal deficit to reach 8.3%

(Adds details)

TUNIS, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Tunisia has cut its GDP growth expectation for 2021 to 2.6%, down from a previous forecast of 4%, according a document seen by Reuters.

Tunisia faces its the worst economic crisis after its economy contracted 8.8% last year and the fiscal deficit reached a record 11.4%.

The fiscal deficit in the latest forecast will reach 8.3% in 2021, up from 6.6% expected earlier, the document showed.

Tunisia this month resumed talks with the International Monetary Fund on a loan package predicated on Tunis imposing painful and unpopular steps aimed at liberalising the economy.

Talks with the IMF on a package were halted on July 25 when President Kais Saied, faced with protracted government paralysis, dismissed the cabinet, suspended parliament and assumed executive authority. (Reporting by Tarek Amara; Writing by Ahmad Elhamy; editing by David Evans and Giles Elgood)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.

A shift to the later stages of gold and silver bull markets

Gold stocks plunge on metal drop

Gold stocks still up after pullback late in the week

US regional bank slump goes global, driving market into gold

Gold stocks weaker but outperform slump in other sectors