Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: July 1, 2025
Jordan Reaffirms Commitment to IMF‑Supported Reform Agenda, Targets 80% Debt‑to‑GDP Ratio by 2028
Jordan’s Prime Minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to IMF-led reforms, aiming to lower debt-to-GDP from over 90% to 80% by 2028 via fiscal consolidation.
Insight
The government’s focus on discipline and IMF alignment enhances financial credibility, potentially unlocking support—yet maintaining growth amid austerity will require careful balancing.
Our Goal Is to End the Year With Higher Economic Growth Than the IMF Forecast – Kobakhidze
Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze expressed ambition to outperform the IMF’s 2025 growth forecast, focusing on investment incentives, digitization, and structural reforms.
Insight
Such a public commitment to exceeding IMF targets suggests confidence in reforms and investor attraction; success could elevate Georgia’s regional economic standing.
Asian Banks Fuel More Than $2 Billion Loan Boom in Mideast
Asian banks have extended over $2 billion in loans to Middle Eastern sovereigns and corporates in 2025, particularly in utilities and infrastructure.
Insight
This financing surge highlights Asia’s expanding economic influence in the Gulf—potentially diluting Western banks’ dominance and reshaping regional finance dynamics.
Tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan rise after Kremlin condemns Baku’s reaction to arrests
Moscow criticized Azerbaijan over official responses to espionage-related arrests, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two countries. Azerbaijan accused Russia of interference in its internal affairs.
Insight
The dispute reveals increasing friction in a relationship historically marked by pragmatic cooperation. This diplomatic rift could disrupt regional energy collaboration and shift geopolitical alliances in the Caucasus.
Moroccan economy grew 4.8% in Q1
Morocco recorded a 4.8% GDP expansion in Q1 2025, driven by robust gains in agriculture, tourism, and industrial sectors.
Insight
The sustained growth indicates a diversified economic strategy gaining traction. Continued public investment in infrastructure and export-led policies will be critical to sustaining momentum.
Kazakhstan may beat its oil output forecast by 2% in 2025, Reuters data shows
Kazakhstan is projected to exceed its 2025 oil production targets by approximately 2%, boosted by increased activity in major fields such as Tengiz.
Insight
The positive outlook could enhance state revenues and fund public projects. However, reliance on oil revenue reinforces the need for economic diversification amid global energy transitions.
