Jaber: Priority Is to Turn Reforms into Practical, Tangible Steps

Finance Minister Yassine Jaber received at his office in the ministry the French President's envoy for economic affairs, Jacques Delage, during a working visit dedicated to discussing financial and economic developments in Lebanon, the reform path, and cooperation with the International Monetary Fund.

In this context, a meeting was held attended by Head of Regional Economic Department Jean-Baptiste Chouval and Economic and Financial Attaché Kenza Vezani, alongside Director General of Finance Georges Maawad and advisors Samir Hammoud, Zeina Qassem, and Claudine Kerki.

The meeting discussed in depth the progress achieved on the reform path, foremost among them the restructuring of the banking sector and addressing the financial gap, as well as public finance conditions and public debt, and the course of cooperation and negotiations with the International Monetary Fund.

Minister Jaber outlined the steps the government and the Ministry of Finance are working on to complete the reform program and translate it into practical measures, stressing the importance of handling financial and banking files within an integrated approach that restores order to public finances, maintains financial stability, and strengthens confidence in the Lebanese economy.

The discussion also covered the path of reform legislation and ongoing debates regarding them, particularly those related to addressing the financial gap, the situation of the banking sector, and Banque du Liban, in a way that lays sound and sustainable foundations for dealing with the aftermath of the crisis.

Regarding the International Monetary Fund, Jaber noted the continuation of discussions with the Fund and the existence of convergence in views on several key files, while work continues to complete remaining issues in preparation for moving to the next stage of negotiations.

The two sides also discussed the reality of public finances, available fiscal space, and options presented for addressing public debt and state obligations, within the framework of formulating a balanced and sustainable approach, parallel to addressing the situations of Banque du Liban and the banking sector.

Jaber affirmed "that the priority in the current phase is to continue working and turn reforms into practical and tangible steps, which preserves the credibility of the reform path and enhances confidence domestically and internationally."

He also reaffirmed "the importance of continuing French support and cooperation with Lebanon, and France's accompaniment of the reform and financial efforts undertaken by the government, contributing to supporting economic and financial stability and preparing conditions for transitioning to the recovery phase."