IMF in provisional $1.75 billion loan agreement aimed at promoting Tunisian economic reforms

TUNIS, Tunisia – The International Monetary Fund says it has reached a provisional agreement on a $1.75 billion loan package for Tunisia that it says will strengthen the North African country's economic stability and promote growth.

The IMF said in a statement Friday the agreement will also support Tunisian authorities' reform program promoting private investment, job creation and social policies aimed at reducing economic and regional disparities.

The deal must still be approved by the IMF's executive board, which is expected to discuss the issue in May.