DAMASCUS, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Syrian officials and World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on Tuesday discussed expanding financial support and accelerating development projects to support the country's economic recovery, state news agency SANA reported.
Syria's finance chief Mohammed Yisr Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan met with Banga on the sidelines of the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand.
According to the Central Bank of Syria, the discussions focused on the progress of ongoing development projects, the implementation of existing financing arrangements, and opportunities to expand support for vital sectors in line with Syria's economic priorities.
The two sides also discussed opening a World Bank office in Syria in January 2027 to strengthen institutional coordination and facilitate the implementation and monitoring of development programs.
The meeting followed separate talks between Barnieh and senior World Bank officials on implementing and possibly expanding development grants provided through the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank's fund that provides low-to-zero-interest loans and grants to the poorest countries.
According to Syria's finance authorities, the country has received 493 million U.S. dollars in IDA grants covering electricity, healthcare, water, education, the financial sector and public finance.
The discussions come as Syria seeks to rebuild infrastructure, restore essential services and attract international financial support following more than a decade of conflict.
