Lebanon : 2016 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Lebanon

Author/Editor:

International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Publication Date:

January 24, 2017

Electronic Access:

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Summary:

Following an extended impasse, Lebanon has a new president and a new prime minister, paving the way for a number of political changes. When formed, the new government will face a challenging policy environment. The Syrian crisis continues to dominate Lebanon's economic outlook, and the associated influx of refugees (about a quarter of the population) has few, if any, international parallels. GDP growth is still subdued and Lebanon's debt burden is rising, despite modest primary surpluses. Moreover, the economy remains vulnerable to shifts in deposit inflows, which have slowed notably since last year's Article IV consultation. Most recently, the Banque du Liban (BdL) engaged in a sizable financial operation that has (among other objectives) helped restore international reserves.