Lebanon to receive dlrs 1.135 bn in SDRs from IMF on Thursday

MENA , Monday 13 Sep 2021

Lebanon's central bank would receive dlrs 1.135 billion on Sept. 16 in IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), much needed funds as the country struggles with one of the deepest depressions

Lebanon's finance ministry said on Monday the central bank would receive dlrs 1.135 billion on Sept. 16 in International Monetary Fund Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), much needed funds as the country struggles with one of the deepest depressions in modern history.

The new allocation of the IMF's reserve currency is comprised of dlrs 860 million from 2021 and dlrs 275 million from 2009, a statement by the ministry said.

Lebanon is in the throes of a deep financial crisis that has propelled three quarters of its population into poverty. Its central bank has all but run down its reserves.

The depletion of foreign currency has translated into worsening shortages of basic goods such as fuel and medication in the past couple of months.

After a year of political deadlock, Lebanese leaders finally agreed a new government on Friday opening the way to a resumption of talks with the IMF.

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