Panelist at the IMF Regional Economic Outlook Middle East & Central Asia Report Launch (webinar), 21 Apr 2026

Dr. Nasser Saidi participated in the panel discussion during the launch of the IMF Regional Economic Outlook (REO) report held as a webinar on Apr 21st, 2026.

The war in the Middle East has inflicted a severe shock on one of the world’s most strategically critical economic corridors, disrupting energy markets, trade routes, and business confidence. The April 2026 IMF Regional Economic Outlook Update, “War in the Middle East: Economic Spillovers and Policy Challenges”, examined how the war in the Middle East is reshaping growth, inflation, and financial conditions across the region and beyond. Which countries are most exposed to economic disruptions from the war? What policy choices are most critical to weather the shock, safeguard stability, and build resilience in an increasingly volatile and risky environment?

The insightful discussion titled “War in the Middle East: Economic Spillovers and Policy Challenges” delves into these critical issues highlighted in the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook: Middle East and Central Asia issued in Apr 2026.

Watch the discussion here (Dr. Saidi speaks around the 25 mins mark): https://www.imf.org/en/videos/view/6393664974112