The IMF expects economic growth to reach 4% for the Middle East this year. The IMF expects a sluggish 2021 recovery for Egypt and Pakistan, oil importers reliant on tourism that saw an exodus of foreign investors last year. The country's economy is expected to grow 2.5% in 2021, Azour said, building on slight gains last year. But Iran's recovery remains far off as its vaccinations lag, inflation eliminates people's savings and economic policies overlook the most vulnerable. Surging infections and foundering inoculation anywhere in the region could spread new variants that threaten overall economic and public health, the IMF reported.

Source: Libya Today April 11, 2021 10:52 UTC