What was the mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) established for?

The mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is primarily focused on stabilizing currency exchange rates and providing resources to countries that are experiencing balance of payments problems. When the IMF was established, its aim was to promote global monetary cooperation and secure financial stability, which includes managing exchange rates to ensure that economies remain stable and avoid competitive devaluations.

The IMF provides policy advice, financial assistance, and technical assistance to member countries, which helps them implement effective monetary policies that can lead to more stable exchange rates. A stable currency exchange environment fosters international trade and investment, contributing to global economic stability.

While the other options involve aspects of economic development, they do not capture the core mission of the IMF. The organization is not specifically tasked with granting long-term loans for development projects, promoting free trade as its primary focus, or financing infrastructure projects, which are areas that other organizations, such as the World Bank, tend to emphasize more.