Mission Concludes Its Visit
Syria's finance minister, Mohammed Yisr Barnieh, met a consultation mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Damascus on 26 July 2026, as the mission wrapped up its visit to the country. The talks reviewed developments in the Syrian economy, recovery indicators, growth prospects and the performance of public finances, part of a broader follow-up on the government's economic and financial reforms.
The mission was headed by Ron van Rooden, deputy director of the Fund's Middle East and Central Asia department. The exchange marked the closing session of a visit that had brought the delegation into direct contact with the ministry over recent days.
Budget and Banking Overhaul
The discussions covered the performance of public finances and preliminary estimates for 2026, alongside preparations already under way for the 2027 budget. Officials also weighed progress on reforms in the financial and banking sector.
The finance ministry said its efforts to develop domestic financing tools include the launch of sovereign sukuk, a form of Islamic bond, a step intended to broaden the state's borrowing options at home.
Drivers of Recovery
The mission praised the government's cooperation, the measures taken so far, an improvement in performance indicators and its growth expectations for this year. It linked those expectations to gains in the agricultural and tourism sectors.
The recovery of oil and gas production areas was cited as a further support for growth, higher output and larger public revenues, factors the delegation described as underpinning the outlook.
Coordination Ahead
Both sides underlined the importance of continued technical coordination and joint cooperation to complete the reform agenda and to follow up on the implementation of recommendations in the period ahead.
The finance minister had held an earlier round of talks with the same mission on 20 July 2026, addressing economic and financial developments and the priorities of the coming stage.