KUDOS FOR ECONOMIC REPORTING

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 027262 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR AMBASSADOR NESBITT FROM A/S SULLIVAN E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/07/2018 TAGS: ECON EFIN IV SUBJECT: KUDOS FOR ECONOMIC REPORTING REF: A. ABIDJAN62 ¶B. ABIDJAN166 Classified By: A/S SULLIVAN FOR REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D) ¶1. (U) I know this year has been especially busy for the embassy, especially for your POL/ECON section considering the wide range of critical sectors it covers. Given those challenges, I want to take a moment to thank you and your team for thorough and illuminating reporting on the macroeconomic situation in Cote d,Ivoire, particularly how it relates to clearing external arrears, HIPC debt relief, and reengagement with international financial institutions. ¶2. (C) Reftels were timely, providing key insights for our delegation to the Paris Club and for formulation of policy relating to Cote d,Ivoire,s debt relief. The information provided on discretionary spending by the President, Prime Minister and the missing funds from the toxic waste scandal, along with candid assessments by IMF and World Bank representatives are the kinds of contributions from Post vital to Washington agencies as we assess Cote d,Ivoire,s progress towards HIPC debt relief and macroeconomic stability. Thank you and keep up the great work! RICE