Ukraine Receives New IMF Loan 1,000 Days into War

A Ukrainian national flag flutters near buildings destroyed by Russian military strikes in Borodianka, Ukraine, February 15, 2023. (Reuters)
A Ukrainian national flag flutters near buildings destroyed by Russian military strikes in Borodianka, Ukraine, February 15, 2023. (Reuters)
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Ukraine Receives New IMF Loan 1,000 Days into War

A Ukrainian national flag flutters near buildings destroyed by Russian military strikes in Borodianka, Ukraine, February 15, 2023. (Reuters)
A Ukrainian national flag flutters near buildings destroyed by Russian military strikes in Borodianka, Ukraine, February 15, 2023. (Reuters)

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Ukrainian authorities have reached an agreement that would give Ukraine access to about $1.1 billion, the IMF said on Tuesday, adding that its executive board must still weigh in on the deal.

If approved, the agreement would bring the total amount disbursed to Ukraine under the program to $9.8 billion, the IMF statement said, adding that the board was expected to review the deal in coming weeks.

“The outlook remains exceptionally uncertain and Russia's war in Ukraine continues to take a heavy toll on Ukraine's people, economy, and infrastructure,” the funds' staff wrote, adding that despite those challenges the program “remains on track.”

“The economy has continued to show resilience despite the devastating challenges arising from Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has now lasted 1,000 days,” it added.

“However, risks remain exceptionally high given uncertainty on the intensity and duration of the war, including from the continued attacks on energy infrastructure.”

IMF staff, which met with Ukrainian officials Nov. 11-18, said the country's real GDP growth was expected to be 4% this year but slow to 2.5%-3.5% in 2025 amid energy infrastructure damage and labor shortages.

Inflation in Ukraine also reached 9.7% year-over-year in October over rising food and labor costs “but inflation expectations remain well anchored,” IMF staff concluded.



Saudi Arabia Says Determined to Cooperate with Int’l Partners to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi Arabia Says Determined to Cooperate with Int’l Partners to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals

The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat
The Saudi flag. Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim affirmed that the Kingdom's efforts in international forums and its role as an effective partner in the G20 have contributed to developing policies and programs that help enhance global economic stability and reduce development gaps between countries.

In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on the occasion of the G20 Leaders' Summit that was held on November 18-19, Alibrahim said the G20 countries share development visions and aspirations, and that member states endeavor to increase international cooperation and build strategic partnerships that contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals.

The group also seeks to use member countries’ expertise in various fields when setting the agenda of the G20 Leaders' Summit every year, to urgently respond to accelerating global challenges and provide innovative solutions that contribute to enhancing the well-being of individuals and societies.

Alibrahim pointed out, in his statement, that the Development Working Group focused during the Brazilian presidency in 2024 on addressing the most prominent global issues and challenges facing developing countries, most notably reducing gender inequality, and ensuring the provision of water and basic services, adding that the Kingdom was keen to present a balanced approach that seeks to provide the necessary means of support to help developing countries advance and build their economic and social capabilities, and achieve equal opportunity.
Alibrahim stressed that empowering women is one of the most prominent achievements of the Kingdom, which strives to achieve gender equality and equal opportunity, and pointed to the concerted efforts in the Kingdom to create a supportive and enabling environment through regulatory and procedural reforms, and innovative programs, adding that labor market statistics indicate a 34.6% increase in the rate of women participation in the Kingdom’s workforce by the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, and that they made up 42.3% of the middle management in 2023.
Alibrahim said Saudi Arabia is committed to activating the G20 dialogue on water issues, which was launched under the Kingdom’s G20 Presidency in 2020, pointing to the country’s efforts to support environmental initiatives and employ technology, research, and innovation in the water sector, citing the Global Water Organization initiative that was launched by the Crown Prince last year.
Alibrahim praised the Brazilian presidency’s proposal, which included a comprehensive approach based on national, financial, and knowledge pillars, which highlighted the need to enact evidence-based policies, develop innovative financial solutions, and have countries share best practices, based on proactive policies and measures.
The Kingdom has also worked on a number of structural reforms that have had a positive impact on its fiscal and monetary policies, targeted social support and subsidy programs, and active investment strategies. It seeks to increase international cooperation and build global partnerships, said Alibrahim, mentioning its investment in the Brazilian food company BRF, a global company concerned with the environment, social development, and sustainable consumption, and its partnership with the World Economic Forum’s open innovation platform Uplink, which aims to increase commitment to environmental regulations, adopt environmentally friendly practices, and invest in innovative technologies to address sustainable development challenges.
Alibrahim stressed that the Kingdom is moving with determination and confidence on its path toward building a prosperous and sustainable economy capable of facing global challenges, and contributing to achieving sustainable development, in cooperation with its international partners.