REGIONS

Central Bank Digital Currencies Can Boost Middle East's Financial Inclusion, Payment Efficiency

June 18, 2024

Serpil Bouza, Marcello Miccoli, Borislava Mircheva

19 countries in the Middle East and Central Asia are exploring issuing a CBDC

Economic growth

Scars of Conflict Are Deeper and Longer Lasting in Middle East and Central Asia

June 5, 2024

Colombe Ladreit, Borislava Mircheva, Troy Matheson

The negative economic effects of conflicts are larger and more persistent, partly reflecting a sharper impact of higher-intensity conflicts in these regions.

International trade

More Diversified Trade Can Make Middle East and Central Asia More Resilient

May 13, 2024

Jihad Azour

Reducing trade barriers, easing regulatory constraints, and upgrading infrastructure can mitigate challenges and help countries leverage new opportunities.

Higher Interest Rates Testing Banks in Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan

December 14, 2023

Thomas Kroen, Troy Matheson, Thomas Piontek

Some lenders in the region may be vulnerable to a combination of higher interest rates, corporate sector stress, and liquidity pressures

Economic growth

Middle East Conflict Risks Reshaping the Region’s Economies

December 1, 2023

John Bluedorn, Taline Koranchelian

The IMF is revising its outlook for the region and stands ready to step up needed support

How the Middle East and Central Asia Can Better Address Climate Challenges

November 29, 2023

Jihad Azour, Hasan Dudu, Ling Zhu

Investment of up to 4 percent of GDP annually is needed to ensure climate resilience and meet emissions reduction targets

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