Salam chairs final IMF meeting ahead of key autumn visit
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a high-level meeting at the Grand Serail with IMF mission chief Ernesto Ramirez and key Lebanese officials, including Ministers Yassine Jaber and Amer Bisat, Central Bank Governor Karim Souaid, and others involved in IMF negotiations.
Minister Jaber described the meeting as a “conclusive session” to review progress and prepare a roadmap ahead of the IMF's anticipated return in late summer or early autumn. He stressed the urgency of resolving Lebanon’s banking crisis, restoring depositor confidence, and transitioning from a cash-based economy.
Jaber also outlined upcoming reforms in public sector auditing, customs, tax systems, and state digitalization, highlighting that funding for several initiatives has already been secured from the EU and World Bank.
Responding to rumors about Lebanon’s reluctance to cooperate, Jaber dismissed them, saying a formal IMF statement would clarify matters. “We have the diagnosis and prescription—we now need to follow through,” he said.
