Finance Minister Yassine Jaber announced, at the conclusion of intensive talks with the International Monetary Fund delegation, that the meetings, which have been ongoing since last Tuesday, were held in a "positive atmosphere" and achieved tangible progress.
The closing meeting was attended by Minister Jaber and a team of specialists from the Lebanese Ministry of Finance, whereas the International Monetary Fund was represented by its mission chief for Lebanon, Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, along with the IMF's Resident Representative in Lebanon, Frederico Lima.
The closing session focused on public finances, particularly the medium-term fiscal framework, which is considered one of the main pillars of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Following the meeting, Minister Jaber said: "Today marked the closing session with the International Monetary Fund delegation. As you know, the meetings have been ongoing since Tuesday. Several sessions were held with Banque du Liban, the Association of Banks, and various departments at both the central bank and the Ministry of Finance. The meeting room saw continuous discussions around the clock, morning and evening, addressing Lebanon’s financial and monetary developments.
Progress is moving in a positive direction. For example, Lebanon is no longer running a budget deficit; in fact, in 2025 we achieved a surplus, and conditions are improving. Significant efforts are being made. There is agreement to develop a five-year, medium-term plan for the country’s economic development, which will soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the banking sector reform law, and yesterday included all-day meetings with a team of ministry specialists on the financial gap issue."
Minister Jaber added: "Discussions are ongoing in all areas, and progress is being made. We will meet with the IMF again in April during the Spring Meetings in Washington, by which time we expect to have made progress in implementing measures. As you know, in the coming weeks we will address the issue of salaries and the need to find revenues to cover these salary increases, along with other financial measures. The steps we are taking regarding these matters have been clarified concerning administrative changes and other issues that were discussed. However, the atmosphere is better and positive, and we hope to reach a point where we can begin discussing the final agreement after the end of April and the beginning of May. The IMF will issue a statement summarizing all the discussions."
The closing meeting was attended by Minister Jaber and a team of specialists from the Lebanese Ministry of Finance, whereas the International Monetary Fund was represented by its mission chief for Lebanon, Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, along with the IMF's Resident Representative in Lebanon, Frederico Lima.
The closing session focused on public finances, particularly the medium-term fiscal framework, which is considered one of the main pillars of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
Following the meeting, Minister Jaber said: "Today marked the closing session with the International Monetary Fund delegation. As you know, the meetings have been ongoing since Tuesday. Several sessions were held with Banque du Liban, the Association of Banks, and various departments at both the central bank and the Ministry of Finance. The meeting room saw continuous discussions around the clock, morning and evening, addressing Lebanon’s financial and monetary developments.
Progress is moving in a positive direction. For example, Lebanon is no longer running a budget deficit; in fact, in 2025 we achieved a surplus, and conditions are improving. Significant efforts are being made. There is agreement to develop a five-year, medium-term plan for the country’s economic development, which will soon be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval. Discussions are also ongoing regarding the banking sector reform law, and yesterday included all-day meetings with a team of ministry specialists on the financial gap issue."
Minister Jaber added: "Discussions are ongoing in all areas, and progress is being made. We will meet with the IMF again in April during the Spring Meetings in Washington, by which time we expect to have made progress in implementing measures. As you know, in the coming weeks we will address the issue of salaries and the need to find revenues to cover these salary increases, along with other financial measures. The steps we are taking regarding these matters have been clarified concerning administrative changes and other issues that were discussed. However, the atmosphere is better and positive, and we hope to reach a point where we can begin discussing the final agreement after the end of April and the beginning of May. The IMF will issue a statement summarizing all the discussions."
