IMF mission to visit Syria to assess institutional needs, technical support
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation will visit Syria this week to assess the state of key Syrian institutions, including the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and statistical agencies.
Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, in comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, said that the purpose of the visit is to evaluate institutional needs and determine the type of technical support required, as part of preparations to establish a comprehensive cooperation framework focused on advisory services and capacity building for essential personnel.
He noted that communication with Syrian officials began during the Conference for Emerging Market Economies held in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, last February.
There, IMF representatives met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani. These discussions continued during the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, which included a dedicated session on Syria, initiated at the request of Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan.
The visit takes place amid growing international efforts to support Syria’s economic recovery, following the U.S. Treasury Department’s recent announcement lifting certain sanctions on the country.