IMF gives Netherlands high marks for government policies

WASHINGTON - The International Monetary Fund is satisfied that the policies of the Dutch government are leading to a lower deficit and an improving economy. The IMF suggests that the Dutch government should aim for at least a one percent budget surplus by the year 2011. According to the annual IMF report strong points were the extra attention paid to health care and disability. The Dutch economy likely will grow by 2.6 percent this year and slightly higher in 2007. Attempts should be made however to keep labour costs down, a sentiment seconded by the Balkenende government.