Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government has agreed targets with the International Monetary Fund, preparing the way for a support programme by the fourth quarter of the year, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba has said.
Mr Yamba has said in a statement that proposals for a sliding scale to ensure mineral royalty taxes can respond to changes in metal export prices will be put before parliament in coming weeks.
Mr Yamba says Zambia will provide the IMF in June 2016 with its macro and fiscal plans for the 2017 budget and for the medium term.
He says this is meant to pave the way for their input so that once in place, the programme will not be at variance with the budget.
Mr Yamba adds that government will also aim to adjust electricity tariffs and fuel pump prices, while ensuring that austerity measures announced by President Edgar Lungu last November were enforced.
The IMF will send a mission to Zambia in September 2016 to finalise budget numbers with the government.