In a recent virtual meeting, Yemen’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Afrah al-Zouba, engaged with Esther Perez Ruiz, the Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission to Yemen. The discussion focused on the current economic landscape in Yemen and the necessary arrangements for the resumption of Article IV consultations, which involve assessments of a country’s economic policies and performance.
The meeting included key figures such as the IMF Resident Representative in Yemen, Mohammed Jaber, and IMF Executive Director Dr. Mohammed Maait, alongside various economic experts and officials. Participants acknowledged the resilience of the Yemeni economy amid ongoing challenges, highlighting the Central Bank’s effective management of the crisis, which has maintained stability in the exchange rate.
Dr. al-Zouba noted that the timely payment of civil service salaries has played a crucial role in restoring purchasing power and stimulating economic activity. She expressed gratitude for the IMF’s support in enhancing the capabilities of Yemeni institutions, particularly the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
The Minister also provided an overview of the political and security situation in Yemen, indicating improvements in basic services within liberated cities. She reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing previous plans and reforms aimed at fostering economic recovery, enhancing governance, and promoting social cohesion.
Esther Perez Ruiz conveyed the IMF’s satisfaction with the progress in political and security stability in Yemen, emphasizing the importance of the government’s strategic continuity in policy implementation. She confirmed the IMF’s dedication to advancing the Article IV consultations, which are essential for bolstering international confidence in Yemen’s economic prospects. Plans for a series of technical meetings with the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank are set to take place in the coming days to expedite the consultation process.
