IMF, World Bank steering committee stresses accountability as reforms advance

WASHINGTON DC: The steering committee for both International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on Saturday emphasized the need for broader accountability as the institutions implemented reforms to help countries grapple with climate change and other shocks. “We must hold ourselves accountable more broadly as we become a better and bigger bank,” said Mohammed bin … Read more

IMF concerned about debt, fiscal challenges facing low-income countries 

WASHINGTON: Shareholders of the International Monetary Fund agreed this week on the importance of addressing challenges faced by low-income countries, many of which are facing unsustainable debt burdens, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday.  Multiple reports from the IMF and the World Bank this week sounded the alarm about economic developments and prospects … Read more

IMF raises growth forecast for Saudi economy to 6% in 2025

Pakistan pushes to forge strategic, economic partnership as Saudi FM visits Islamabad ISLAMABAD: Pakistani top leaders, including the prime minister, president and foreign minister, said on Tuesday the ongoing visit of Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to Islamabad would help transform a longstanding friendship between the two nations into a strategic and commercial … Read more

IMF ties Egypt loan disbursements to currency flexibility 

CAIRO: The International Monetary Fund will tie payments to Egypt under an $8 billion financial program to Cairo’s letting market conditions determine the price of its currency and its making foreign exchange available to businesses and private individuals, the IMF said on Monday.  Egypt, which signed the loan agreement on March 6, will have immediate … Read more

Egypt set to receive $820m in first IMF tranche 

RIYADH: Carbon markets are set to play a pivotal role in achieving climate goals, with efforts from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, paving the way for a smooth energy transition.  According to a new report from the International Energy Forum, carbon markets are capable of effectively lowering the costs associated with greenhouse gas removal by … Read more

IMF chief urges China to boost growth with ‘pro-market reforms’

RIYADH: Local markets and online shopping will experience a surge during Ramadan activities thanks to an influx of consumers adapting their shopping habits during the holy period.  The purchasing power of customers in the Kingdom during the month reflects a unique blend of cultural traditions, religious observances, and economic factors. In line with global consumer tendencies, … Read more

IMF chief urges central banks’ independence on policy matters

WASHINGTON: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned on Thursday that central banks face growing political pressure to cut interest rates during a major election year but policymakers need to maintain their independence. Georgieva said in a blog posted on the IMF website that central banks with stronger independence scores are more successful in controlling inflation … Read more

IMF set to open regional HQ in Riyadh after Saudi Cabinet approval

RIYADH: UAE Islamic banks saw their asset values rise to 703 billion dirhams ($191.4 billion) by the end of 2023 in what was an 11 percent annual increase, official data showed.  Figures released by the Central Bank of the UAE revealed this was a jump from 630.7 billion dirhams in December 2022, marking a growth of 72.4 billion … Read more