Syria officially returns to the Arab constituencies in the IMF and World Bank

Finance Minister Yasser Burhani announced Syria’s official return to the Arab constituencies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, effective November 1. The minister explained that this return coincides with an expansion of cooperation with both institutions, through preparations to resume Article IV consultations with the IMF, intensify technical assistance and capacity-building programs, and work on establishing the Syria Trust for Recovery and Reconstruction (START) in partnership with the World Bank Group. He emphasized that the priority is to translate these steps and international partnerships into tangible economic outcomes that positively impact citizens’ lives and support the path toward recovery and sustainable growth in Syria. The minister described the move as a significant milestone in Syria’s reintegration into international financial institutions, and an opportunity to enhance coordination and cooperation with Arab countries and broaden international partnerships in support of economic recovery priorities and financial reform.