Finance Minister Discusses Strengthening Cooperation and Digital Transformation with the World Bank

The Minister of Finance, Yassin Jaber, held a meeting with the Resident Representative of the World Bank in Lebanon, Enrique Armas, to discuss preparations for an upcoming visit by executive directors from the World Bank to Beirut at the beginning of next November. During the meeting, joint projects between the ministry and the bank were discussed, which aim to achieve digital transformation, enhance governance, and consolidate transparency.

Jaber emphasized the Ministry of Finance’s interest in continuing this constructive partnership, given its role in completing financial and administrative reforms and enhancing overall financial stability. For his part, Armas affirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the priorities of the Lebanese government and supporting its efforts in development and achieving economic stability.

Jaber also received a delegation from the French Court of Accounts, the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (“INTOSAI/IDI”), and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (“OECD/SIGMA”), in the presence of the Director-General of the Ministry of Finance, Georges Maarawi, and Advisor Claudine Karky.

The delegation included: Francis Sudreau, Bianca Pietrich, and Eduardo Ruiz Garcia, and from the Lebanese side, Inaam Bustani and Rozy Sader. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and the Court of Accounts in the area of ​​monitoring public funds, updating the legislative and institutional framework, and exchanging experiences in the areas of auditing and financial control, and digital transformation.

Jaber reaffirmed the ministry’s keenness to strengthen the partnership with the Court of Accounts, considering it “a pillar of transparency and accountability.” He pointed out that updating financial and regulatory laws, in addition to supporting employment and capacity building, is a fundamental step in the path of financial and administrative reform.

The Minister of Finance also received the Minister of Interior, Ahmed El-Hajjar, where they reviewed coordination between the two ministries in joint files related to financial management, public spending, and financial safety requirements.