Fiscal stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina has not been jeopardised and institutions have control over the situation, Finance and Treasury Minister Vjekoslav Bevanda said on Wednesday, a day after the state government declared the state of disaster over coronavirus spread.

According to the minister, the government passed important decisions and managed to set up a plan in accordance with available funds.

“It would be a lot easier if we adopted the budget, which we sent yesterday along with relevant opinions to the Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers, and I expect we will successfully finish our part of work in the next session and adopt it,” said Bevanda.

He recalled that the temporary financing is in effect until April 1.

Consequences of the novel coronavirus are a global issue and countries can expect the assistance of the international financial institutions, said the minister, adding that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already prepared programmes to fund the activities in the period of these extraordinary circumstances.

The finance minister, who also chairs the steering board of the Indirect Taxation Authority, stressed that this institution operates with no interruptions, closely monitors the developments concerning the income of revenues and is prepared to act depending on analyses that its officials conduct.

It is of utmost importance now to mitigate the effects of the situation on economy, agriculture and the standard of citizens in general, said Bevanda, noting that entity governments are already taking necessary measures.

According to the minister, it is important to work within the framework of the Constitution and laws, despite the extraordinary circumstances, and that successful results can come only with a good plan and teamwork at all levels of authority.