## Saudi Arabia: 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report

_IMF Staff Country Reports, October 5, 2017_

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Saudi Arabia: 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report](https://www.imf.org/en/publications/cr/issues/2017/10/05/saudi-arabia-2017-article-iv-consultation-press-release-and-staff-report-45312)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/publications/cr/issues/2017/10/05/saudi-arabia-2017-article-iv-consultation-press-release-and-staff-report-45312/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/publications/cr/issues/2017/10/05/saudi-arabia-2017-article-iv-consultation-press-release-and-staff-report-45312/index.json)
- [Bundle manifest](/en/publications/cr/issues/2017/10/05/saudi-arabia-2017-article-iv-consultation-press-release-and-staff-report-45312/bundle-manifest.json)

## Bibliographic details
- Published: October 5, 2017
- Series: IMF Staff Country Reports
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484323175.002

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### Summary of main findings
- The report highlights Saudi Arabia’s launch of a bold reform program under Vision 2030, announced in 2016.
- The authorities have made considerable progress in initiating the implementation of their ambitious reform agenda.
- Non-oil growth is projected to pick up to 1.7 percent in 2017.
- Growth is expected to strengthen over the medium term as structural reforms are implemented.
- Employment growth has weakened.
- The unemployment rate among Saudi nationals has increased to 12.3 percent.
- The fiscal deficit is projected to narrow substantially in the coming years.

### Risks and uncertainties
- Risks mainly come from uncertainties about future oil prices.
- Additional risk arises from questions about how the ongoing reforms will affect the economy.

### Thematic focus areas (as presented)
- Energy prices
- Expenditure
- Fiscal consolidation
- Fiscal policy
- Oil prices
- Prices

### Publication metadata (selected)
- Pages: 84
- Volume: 2017
- Issue: 316
- Series: Country Report No. 2017/316
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781484323175.002
- ISBN: 9781484323175
- ISSN: 1934-7685

*Saudi Arabia: 2017 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report*

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## Content in this bundle

- **Country Report**
  - [Country Report (Markdown version)](/-/media/files/publications/cr/2017/cr17316.pdf.md){rel="alternate" type="text/markdown"}
  - [Country Report (PDF)](/-/media/files/publications/cr/2017/cr17316.pdf){rel="external" type="application/pdf"}

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_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/publications/cr/issues/2017/10/05/saudi-arabia-2017-article-iv-consultation-press-release-and-staff-report-45312_