By Reuters Staff
(Adds bond price)
March 3 (Reuters) - Debt-strained Belize has not requested an International Monetary Fund bailout program, the fund’s top official in the country said.
Belize’s government and the IMF are holding online talks as part of what would normally be a regular review of the Central American country by the fund.
The discussions have taken on greater significance however following recent rating agency warnings that the country, which has a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 120% and already postponed some debt payments last year, is heading for default in May.
“The virtual mission is expected to conclude next week and we will communicate at the end of the discussions. The authorities of Belize have not requested an IMF programme,” said IMF Mission Chief for Belize Jaime Guajardo in an emailed statement.
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