A top International Monetary Fund official has begunseveral more weeks of talks with Egyptian officials over the country's economicreform program to secure a $4.8 billion loan.
In an IMF statement, top official Masood Ahmed said hewelcomes Egyptian determination to move forward with their economic reformprogram.
The IMF has in the past pushed for reforms in taxation andsubsidies before granting loans. Egypt sees the loan as a lifeline to boostcritically low foreign reserves and lure back foreign investors.
Ahmed met with officials Sunday in Cairo, including Egypt'sprime minister and the central bank governor.
Talks were delayed in December when violentprotests erupted and the president was forced to rescind austerity plans.Investors and activists demanded a national dialogue on the changes first.