(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Oct 16 (KUNA) -- Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy and Acting Minister of Finance and Minister of State for Economic and Investment Affairs Dr. Sabeeh Al-Mukhaizeem participated late Wednesday in the meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP).
The meeting, held as part of Kuwait's participation of the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, reviewed the latest regional and international economic developments as well as exchanged views on key global issues, including current economic challenges.
The meeting also touched on policies focused on strengthening financial stability, seizing growth opportunities and boosting IMF engagement with member states amid uncertainty and regional tensions.
On her part, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the inflation in most regional economies had eased due to lower food and energy prices as well as relatively tight monetary policies.
She took note that the IMF raised its growth forecast for the region to 3.2 percent in 2025, up from 2.6 percent in May, expecting it to reach 3.7 percent in 2027, supported by strong domestic demand and ongoing reforms.
She stressed key priorities, including rebuilding fiscal and external buffers, strengthening fiscal frameworks and policies, accelerating structural reforms, and deepening IMF partnerships across the MENAP region.
Meanwhile, member states called for the full membership of the State of Palestine in the IMF during a meeting held on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and IMF Boards of Governors from October 13 to 18. (end)
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