لبنان اليوم
Syrian Minister of Finance, Muhammad Yusr Barnieh, announced that his country has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to receive a mission within the next six months, as part of Article IV consultations.
He pointed out that this step will enhance investor confidence and create a favorable environment for investment in Syria, reflecting a noticeable improvement in the economic atmosphere.
Barnieh also clarified that these consultations may pave the way for launching a comprehensive economic and financial reform program, while emphasizing that it is not linked to obtaining loans. He noted that Syria’s recent participation in the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank represented a strategic turning point in its relations with these two global financial institutions.
The Minister revealed an agreement to receive technical assistance from the Fund, including areas of financial and banking reform, public debt management, and statistics, with expectations of specialized missions starting visits to Damascus this week. He welcomed the appointment of a resident representative of the IMF in Syria and considered the lifting of security restrictions on the work of the Fund’s missions an important step towards international financial openness.
Regarding the World Bank, Barnieh announced a plan to receive six technical missions in the coming weeks, which will cover vital sectors such as energy, water, education, health, transportation, financial management, and infrastructure. He pointed to a common understanding to finance development projects over the next three years, through grants totaling $1 billion. In addition, cooperation with the International Finance Corporation and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency will be reactivated.
In conclusion, the Minister announced the World Bank’s intention to open a permanent office in Damascus, with the aim of facilitating project implementation and coordinating technical support programs.
source: 961 today
