IMF Staff Country Reports

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

Publication Date:

January 24, 2017

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights that Lebanon’s economic growth remains subdued. Following a sharp drop in 2011, growth edged upward briefly to 2–3 percent, but has now slowed again. The IMF staff estimates that GDP increased by 1 percent in 2015, and a similar growth rate in 2016 is projected. Lebanon’s traditional growth drivers—tourism, real estate, and construction—have received a significant blow and a strong rebound is unlikely based on current trends. In the absence of a turnaround in confidence, or a resolution of the Syrian conflict, growth is unlikely to return to potential (4 percent) soon.

Series:

Country Report No. 2017/019

Subject:

Banking Foreign exchange National accounts Oil prices Prices Public debt Revenue administration