The International Monetary Fund’s Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC) held a Workshop on Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEFs) in Beirut, Lebanon from December 16-19, 2014.

The workshop focused on the techniques, processes, and institutions required for successful implementation of a MTEF. It aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of issues related to the development of these frameworks and their relationship with macro-fiscal forecasting, national development planning and wider issues of budgeting and public financial management.

A highly participative approach was adopted, based on presentations at plenary sessions together with breakout group discussions. The workshop was designed to establish a basis for continued knowledge sharing throughout the region.

Participants shared experiences and challenges from their countries and discussed critical technical, institutional and political risks that need to be addressed. In a final wrap-up session, participants identified potential areas for future METAC technical assistance on MTEFs and related topics.

The workshop was attended by senior representatives of Finance and Planning Ministries from the Middle East and North Africa region. In total, 27 delegates participated from the following 11 countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen, and West Bank and Gaza.

Quick links:

Press Release No. 04/224: Inauguration of the Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC)

Factsheet: IMF Technical Assistance

Factsheet: IMF Regional Technical Assistance Centers