Economy minister says IMF deal crucial for Tunisia

Saied says Tunisia needs a deal with the IMF if it is to regain confidence among international lenders.

TUNIS - Tunisia needs a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if it is to regain confidence among international lenders, economy minister Samir Saied said on Friday.

The North African nation is in the midst of its worst financial crisis and is in talks with the IMF for a financial rescue package that would require Tunisia to implement unpopular reforms including a wage freezes and reduced subsidies.

A reform package was rejected by the powerful UGTT labour union UGTT, which also threatened a general strike.