Damascus, Oct. 30 (SANA) Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh has called for the implementation of agreed fiscal reforms within six months following talks with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission aimed at improving the country’s economic forecasting and public financial management.
Barnieh chaired the mission’s closing session, which reviewed proposals to strengthen macroeconomic forecasting, develop a medium-term fiscal framework and better align government spending plans with fiscal policy, according to the Ministry of Finance.
The IMF delegation presented its preliminary findings and recommendations, focusing on improving the tools used to forecast economic performance and prepare the national budget.
Strengthening fiscal planning and risk management
Discussions covered measures to improve coordination between the Finance Ministry and other government institutions, as well as plans to incorporate fiscal risk assessments into the budget process.
Officials also examined ways to monitor key fiscal indicators, including public debt, budget deficits and government expenditure, alongside proposals to improve regular financial reporting.
The talks addressed technical training for ministry staff and efforts to strengthen the ministry’s Fiscal Policy Directorate.
Six-month deadline for agreed reforms
Barnieh emphasized the need to implement all agreed recommendations within six months and welcomed the publication of the IMF mission’s report once the review process is complete.
The IMF delegation praised the ministry’s efforts and the progress made over a relatively short period, according to the ministry.
The discussions form part of efforts to strengthen Syria’s fiscal institutions, improve the reliability of economic projections and support more effective government budget planning.
I.Z/ABD