International Monetary Fund issues joint statement with Saudi finance minister as AlUla emerging markets conference sets out resilience and growth reform priorities

The International Monetary Fund published a joint statement by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Aljadaan marking the conclusion of the second annual AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, co-organized by the Saudi Ministry of Finance and the IMF in AlUla, Saudi Arabia. The statement highlights discussions on how emerging markets can navigate persistent uncertainty, geopolitical shifts, evolving trade patterns, and rapid technological change. It underscores three themes: the centrality of sound macroeconomic and financial policies underpinned by strong institutions and governance; a “next phase” reform agenda aimed at higher, sustained and more job-rich growth focused on unleashing the private sector through deeper financial markets and lower barriers to entrepreneurship and investment, alongside investment in digital infrastructure and skills to harness artificial intelligence; and the role of deeper intra-regional and inter-regional integration, including boosting trade and regional cooperation. The signatories indicate the dialogue will continue at future editions of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies.