Lebanese Finance Minister Calls on International Financial Institutions to Support Reconstruction Efforts in His Country
The Lebanese Finance Minister calls on international institutions to support reconstruction efforts and address the successive economic and humanitarian crises in the country.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Beirut, October 13 (KUNA) – Lebanese Finance Minister Yassin Jaber called on Tuesday for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group to continue supporting Lebanon and assist in mobilizing the necessary humanitarian and emergency financing to address the repercussions of successive crises and fund recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The Lebanese Ministry of Finance said in a statement that this appeal came during a series of talks held by Jaber on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group, taking place in the Thai capital, Bangkok. The discussions covered the progress of economic reforms, mobilizing international support, expanding financing for the private sector, and partnership projects in vital sectors.
The ministry added that Jaber met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who expressed her satisfaction with the seriousness she observed in the Lebanese government’s handling of economic and reform files.
The ministry stated that Jaber outlined, during a Group of 24 meeting attended by Georgieva and World Bank Group Managing Director Pascal Donohoe, the humanitarian, social, and economic challenges facing Lebanon. He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, advancing reforms, and reaching an IMF-supported program that would enhance recovery, reconstruction, and sustainable growth.
It noted that the ongoing conflict in southern Lebanon has exacerbated humanitarian and economic conditions following a series of successive crises, causing the displacement of large numbers of people and inflicting damage to infrastructure estimated in the billions of dollars. The conflict has also disrupted economic activity and increased pressure on public services and host communities.
The ministry pointed out that the rise in the cost of living resulting from the war in the Middle East, coupled with declining revenues, has intensified financial burdens on Lebanese households, affecting not only the most vulnerable groups but also a growing segment of middle-income families.
Jaber stressed the importance of continued international support for the government’s efforts to ensure the dignified and sustainable return of Syrian refugees, noting that the implementation of a plan for this purpose has begun in coordination with the Syrian government and the international community. (End) A.Y.B. / M.N.F.
