The Fund's statement said that the IMF delegation visited Damascus from February 15 to 19 to assess the economic situation in Syria and discuss with the authorities progress in economic reforms as well as policy and capacity building priorities for the next period.
The statement said economic activity in the country has accelerated in recent months, supported by improving consumer and investor confidence, the continued return of refugees, increases in electricity supply and rainfall, and the continuation of Syria's regional integration.
The IMF statement said: “The Syrian economy continues to recover.” The evaluation was included.
The statement said that the Fund's program for Syria aims to support the country's authorities' efforts to improve the economy and basic economic institutions through policy advice and technical assistance. This includes providing comprehensive support to the Ministry of Finance and the Syrian Central Bank, as well as improving statistics, which will pave the way for the resumption of Article 4 consultations with Syria.
Ron van Rooden, whose views were included in the statement and who led the IMF delegation during its visit to Damascus, noted that the Syrian economy continues to show signs of recovery, economic activities are accelerating, consumer and investor confidence continues to improve, international sanctions imposed on Syria have been lifted and the country has reintegrated into the regional and global economy.
Van Rooden stressed that progress in national reconciliation, the return of refugees, improvements in electricity supplies and rainfall, and several major new investment projects were positive signs for growth prospects in 2026 and beyond.
Van Rooden pointed out that the authorities have prepared the 2026 budget to increase spending on health and education, including wage increases, and the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure, explaining that the revenue forecasts are ambitious but feasible.
Van Rooden noted that strong international support will be needed in the coming years to reduce poverty, including for returning refugees and displaced people, noting that the authorities' ability to provide external financing depends on progress in resolving Syria's past debts.
Van Rooden pointed out that despite the numerous restrictions, the Syrian Central Bank managed to maintain its tight monetary policy, explaining that due to the lack of central bank financing in the budget, there was a notable slowdown in inflation, the inflation rate fell to low single digits at the end of 2025, and the exchange rate appreciated compared to 2024.
“As the introduction of the new currency progresses rapidly and builds on the progress made, the focus will now be on enabling the central bank to ensure price and financial stability and ensure its independence, developing an appropriate monetary policy framework, comprehensively assessing the financial health of banks and restructuring and rehabilitating the banking system,” Van Rooden said. he said.
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