Damascus, July 26 (SANA) Syrian Finance Minister Mohamed Yisr Barnieh met with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) consultation mission led by Ron van Rooden, Deputy Director of the IMF‘s Middle East and Central Asia Department, at the conclusion of the mission’s visit to Syria to review economic developments, recovery indicators, growth prospects and public finance performance.
According to a statement published on Sunday by the Syrian Ministry of Finance on its official Telegram channel, the meeting focused on public finance performance, fiscal estimates for 2026, preparations for the 2027 state budget, and progress in financial and banking sector reforms.
The discussions also covered the ministry’s efforts to develop domestic financing instruments, including the planned issuance of sovereign sukuk, as part of broader initiatives to strengthen domestic financing mechanisms.
Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining technical coordination and joint cooperation to complete economic and fiscal reforms and to follow up on implementing recommendations during the next phase.
The IMF mission commended the Syrian government’s cooperation, the measures taken to advance reforms and the improvement in key economic performance indicators. The delegation also highlighted improved expectations for economic growth this year, supported by stronger performance in the agricultural and tourism sectors, in addition to the restoration of oil and gas production areas, which are expected to support economic growth, increase production and boost public revenues.
The meeting followed earlier talks held on July 20 between Barnieh and the IMF consultation mission on economic and financial developments in Syria, priorities for the next phase and ways to strengthen technical cooperation in support of the country’s economic recovery.
R.D/RK
