Congo growth strong, more transparency needed-IMF

Democratic Republic of Congo could exceed a forecast 6.5 percent economic growth in 2011 but must do more to increase transparency in the mining sector, Reuters quoted the IMF as saying on Saturday. Congo -- which has large deposits of copper, cobalt and gold -- is gearing up for general elections set for Nov. 28 assuming it surmounts major logistical and funding challenges to ensure the polls go ahead on time. The vote is seen as crucial for economic and political stability and will be the second since a five-year war ended in 2003, leaving millions dead. Despite the pressures of funding polls and higher than expected inflation, the country has maintained financial discipline, the IMF said.