Satyendra Pathak
Doha
Qatar has emphasised the importance of strengthening regional economic resilience, accelerating diversification and enhancing cooperation among Gulf countries amid geopolitical uncertainties and disruptions, during a high-level meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Manama, Bahrain.
Minister of Finance HE Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari and Qatar Central Bank Governor Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani represented Qatar at the joint meeting of GCC finance ministers and central bank governors with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
The meeting focused on the economic outlook for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, policy priorities and the challenges facing regional economies amid ongoing geopolitical developments and disruptions to trade and economic activity.
The participants discussed measures to safeguard macroeconomic and financial stability while strengthening the resilience of Gulf economies against the economic repercussions of geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions.
Economic diversification, private sector-led growth and structural reforms were also key topics, with discussions highlighting the importance of creating jobs, enhancing competitiveness and building more resilient economic structures across the region.
Al Kuwari stressed the need to further strengthen the resilience of regional economies and accelerate economic diversification, noting that current challenges provide additional impetus for closer regional cooperation and stronger connectivity.
“The current challenges motivate us to strengthen cooperation and pursue greater regional connectivity,” Al Kuwari said.
He also underlined the importance of continuing progress in emerging and strategic areas, including artificial intelligence, digital assets and economic diversification, despite the constraints arising from the current regional situation.
The minister commended the IMF’s efforts to assess the economic impact of recent developments and evaluate potential future scenarios, highlighting the importance of continued engagement and dialogue with the Fund to support economic and financial stability.
The discussions underscored the importance of coordinated policy responses and regional cooperation in addressing external shocks while sustaining long-term growth and advancing structural transformation across GCC economies.
Qatar’s participation reflects its continued engagement in regional and international economic dialogue and its commitment to strengthening financial stability, fostering innovation and supporting sustainable economic growth.
