Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: October 18, 2025
Pakistan Finance Minister Says GDP Takes Hit From Deadly Floods
Pakistan’s finance minister warned that recent catastrophic floods would drag GDP growth down and widen fiscal deficits.
Insight
Natural disasters are compounding macro challenges and adding urgency to calls for external support and reconstruction funding.
Egypt Hikes Fuel Prices as Part of IMF-Led Bailout
Egypt increased domestic fuel prices under its IMF program to reduce subsidies and stabilize public finances.
Insight
This move underscores the difficult tradeoff between fiscal consolidation and social pushback in emerging economies.
Morocco will prioritize health, education spending in 2026 budget, finance minister says
Morocco plans to allocate greater budgetary weight to health and education in 2026 to bolster human capital.
Insight
The shift reflects a strategic pivot toward social investment and might help sustain long-term growth and equity.
