IMF Staff Completes 2023 Article IV Mission to Qatar

November 21, 2023--Qatar's economic growth has normalized in 2023 following the World Cup-driven boom. Continued normalization is expected in the near term, with a favorable medium-term outlook supported by the LNG production expansion and intensifying reform efforts.
Broad fiscal discipline amid hydrocarbon windfalls in 2022-23 resulted in sizeable surpluses and rapid central government debt reduction.

Sustained fiscal prudence, accelerated revenue diversification, and enhanced spending composition and efficiency should underpin the medium-term fiscal strategy.

The QCB's prudent policies have underpinned financial stability. Continued diligence is critical to maintain banking sector strength in a "higher-for-longer" interest rate environment.