Cairo: Minister of Finance, Yassine Jaber, chaired the annual meeting of the Steering Committee of the Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC) in Cairo, reiterating Lebanon’s steadfast commitment to economic reform, institutional resilience, and regional cooperation.

According to National News Agency – Lebanon, Jaber expressed deep appreciation to the Government of Egypt for its hospitality, and commended the IMF and METAC team for their professional and timely preparations at the conference, organized by METAC in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Jaber highlighted METAC’s role in the region, noting its significance in macroeconomic development, institutional capacity building, and policy credibility since its inception in 2004. He emphasized Lebanon’s unique role as both a host country and a key contributor to METAC’s success, underscoring the active participation of national institutions like the Ministry of Finance, Banque du Liban, the Central Administration of Sta
tistics, and the Institute of Finance Basil Fuleihan in METAC’s programs.

The minister acknowledged the tangible results achieved through collaboration with METAC, including the shaping of a generation of Lebanese professionals who now serve as regional advisors. Despite Lebanon’s current fiscal challenges, Jaber pledged full commitment to METAC’s mission and promised to resume financial contributions once the domestic situation stabilizes.

Lebanon has benefited from METAC’s technical support over the past year, particularly in reforming the income tax system and improving cash management. Such efforts have been crucial in addressing financial pressures and laying the groundwork for broader reform.

Jaber welcomed METAC’s renewed engagement with Syria, viewing it as a vital step toward restoring institutional capacity essential for regional stability. He also emphasized the potential of digital transformation to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen trust, describing it as a transformational pat
h toward more effective public institutions.

The minister expressed gratitude to METAC’s development partners, including the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia, for their continued support. He specifically highlighted the newly established IMF-Saudi Arabia Capacity Development Partnership and its anticipated impact on strengthening METAC’s regional outreach.

Jaber reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to hosting METAC in Beirut, describing it as a symbol of regional ownership and continuity. He invited participants to the 2026 Steering Committee meeting in Beirut, expressing hope for a reaffirmation of the city’s enduring role in METAC’s success.