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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed its first official mission to Syria in more than 15 years, aiming to assess the country’s economic landscape and lay the groundwork for rebuilding institutional capacity and shaping future economic policy.
According to the IMF’s statement, the visit took place between June 1 and 5, during which the delegation held meetings with Syrian authorities to assess economic and financial conditions, discuss policy priorities, and support the development of a roadmap for rebuilding core economic institutions.
The delegation, led by IMF official Ron van Rooden, met with Syrian authorities in Damascus to evaluate macroeconomic conditions, identify policy priorities, and develop a roadmap for strengthening fiscal and monetary governance.
The IMF stated that the mission’s primary goal was to help reinforce Syria’s institutional capacity, particularly in fiscal and monetary policymaking. Emphasis was placed on the urgent need to restore macroeconomic stability and public confidence to create the conditions necessary for the private sector to play a leading role in national development.
The fund highlighted the severe toll that years of conflict have taken on the Syrian economy. Public institutions have weakened, basic services have been disrupted, and large portions of the country’s infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Around 6 million Syrians have fled the country, mostly to neighboring states, while 7 million more remain internally displaced.
The IMF noted that economic output has plummeted, real incomes have dropped sharply, and poverty levels remain extremely high. In light of this, the Fund described Syria’s humanitarian and reconstruction needs as “very large,” warning that rebuilding the economy will require more than temporary aid.
The IMF stressed that substantial international support will be critical to Syria’s recovery. This includes not only financial aid under appropriate conditions but also sustained technical assistance to support long-term institutional reform. Key areas identified for reform include the Ministry of Finance, the central bank, and the national statistics agency.
Ron van Rooden, who led the IMF mission, acknowledged that Syria continues to face “immense challenges” following more than a decade of armed conflict. He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to assisting Syrian authorities in their recovery efforts and noted that the team had prepared a detailed roadmap for institutional and policy reforms.
Achieving a sustainable and inclusive recovery must be treated with urgency, the IMF stated.
It added that although Syrian authorities have shown a strong commitment to reviving the economy, success will hinge on coordinated efforts to implement sound policies, restore institutional effectiveness, and secure long-term international support.
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