**Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso:** Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement today in Ouagadougou at the end of his visit to Burkina Faso:
>“I am delighted to have visited Burkina Faso. I would like to extend my gratitude to His Excellency President Ibrahim Traoré, Minister of Economy and Finance Aboubakar Nacanabo, National Director of the BCEAO Armand Badiel, President of the WAEMU Commission Abdoulaye Diop, and other senior officials for their warm hospitality during this highly informative visit.
>“Burkina Faso’s economic resilience amid security and humanitarian challenges is commendable. Sound economic policies and a rapid increase in exports have contributed to growth, helping to keep public debt on a sustainable path, while keeping inflation under control.