Press Remarks by Jihad Azour on the Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central AsiaGood morning and welcome to the IMF’s 2020 Virtual Spring Meetings. Today, I’d like to make a few remarks about the economic outlook for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia, and Caucasus, and launch our Regional Economic Outlook (REO) update, before turning to your questions. The Middle East and Central Asia region has been hit by two large and reinforcing shocks. In addition, central banks in the region have announced large liquidity support measures, eased monetary policy, and, where appropriate, used the exchange rate as a buffer. These issues are explored in greater detail in our Regional Economic Outlook Update, which is also being released today.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 15, 2020 21:11 UTC