IMF Says It Is Developing a Syria Policy Roadmap

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Tuesday that Syria would need "substantial international" support for its efforts to rebuild its economy, address urgent humanitarian needs and restore key institutions and infrastructure. During a five-day visit in early June, the IMF team met with Syrian officials, including the finance minister and central bank governor. The IMF stated that it is developing a roadmap for Syria's policy and capacity building priorities of key economic institutions, including the finance ministry, central bank, and statistical agency. Syria faces significant challenges, including the need to rebuild its economy, address humanitarian needs, and rebuild essential infrastructure. The IMF's involvement comes as countries are restoring ties with Damascus and some are lifting sanctions. In 2017, the United Nations estimated that rebuilding Syria would cost around $250 billion (218 billion euros). As the Assad regime was toppled late last year, some experts believe that this amount could be as high as $400 billion (350 billion euros).