IMF Boss to discuss structural reforms with Biya

International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde started her three-day visit to Cameroon on Thursday, with issues including structural reforms and infrastructure to be prioritized in discussions with Cameroonian officials.

"I am very happy to come to Cameroon as the managing director of IMF for the first time. I should have done the visit long time ago giving the importance of Cameroonian economy, especially in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)," Lagarde told the press after arriving at the airport in capital Yaounde.

The visit is the first by Lagarde as chief of IMF to a country in Central Africa region since she took over in 2011. Lagarde was received at Yaounde airport by Cameroonian Prime Minister Philemon Yang.

After leaving the airport, Lagarde met with Finance Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey and will also have a tete-a-tete with President Paul Biya.

Lagarde told the press, "I think the priorities of my discussion with Cameroonian officials will be the issues on structural reforms, investment in infrastructure, regional integration and the risks created by Boko Haram in the Far North Region in Cameroon."

Christine Lagarde will complete her visit on Saturday in economic capital Douala where she will meet with women leaders and the representatives from private sector and civil society.