A top International Monetary Fund official has begun several more weeks of talks with Egyptian officials over the country's economic reform program to secure a $4.8 billion loan, The Associated Press reported.

In an IMF statement, top official Masood Ahmed said he welcomes Egyptian determination to move forward with their economic reform program.

The IMF has in the past pushed for reforms in taxation and subsidies before granting loans. Egypt sees the loan as a lifeline to boost critically low foreign reserves and lure back foreign investors.

Ahmed met with officials Sunday, March 17 in Cairo, including Egypt's prime minister and the central bank governor.

Talks were delayed in December when violent protests erupted and the president was forced to rescind austerity plans. Investors and activists demanded a national dialogue on the changes first.