On Thursday, President Rashad Mohammed Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council, convened a crucial meeting at the Maasheeq Palace in Aden. The gathering aimed to address pressing economic and humanitarian crises, bringing together key government officials and experts in the field.
Attendees and Economic Overview
The meeting included Prime Minister Dr. Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, Head of the Economic Team Hossam Al-Sharjabi, and several ministers, including Dr. Shae’ Zandani (Foreign Affairs), Dr. Abdul Salam Hamid (Transport), Dr. Said Al-Shamasi (Oil and Minerals), and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Mohammed Omar Banajah. Additionally, Captain Nasser Mahmoud, Chairman of Yemen Airways, participated in the discussions.
Prime Minister bin Mubarak provided a brief overview of the current economic situation. He outlined necessary measures to combat inflation, address the public budget deficit, and manage fluctuations in exchange rates and essential goods and services.
Economic Indicators and Challenges
The Prime Minister’s report highlighted critical economic, financial, and monetary indicators. He addressed recent changes in the national currency’s status, particularly due to the ongoing suspension of oil exports and soaring shipping costs. These factors have severely impacted living conditions, exacerbated by terrorist attacks from Houthi militias backed by the Iranian regime.
The meeting also reviewed the Crisis Management Committee’s recent activities and discussed challenges faced by Yemen Airways. The Houthi militia’s continued seizure of several company aircraft and the confiscation of its funds pose significant risks to the national carrier.
Strategic Economic and Humanitarian Scenarios
Participants discussed existing and potential economic and humanitarian scenarios. They explored necessary policies and measures to eliminate monetary distortions, stabilize exchange rates, and maintain economic, service, and commodity stability. The conversation also focused on improving the government’s access to public resources and ensuring the fulfillment of its obligations while advancing comprehensive reforms supported by regional and international communities.
Call for Accelerated Economic Rescue Plan
President Alimi urged the swift implementation of the economic rescue plan. He emphasized the importance of enhancing public financial management and monetary policy efficiency. Furthermore, he called for measures to mitigate the economic division imposed by the Houthi militia as a weapon of war.
In this context, he reiterated the full support for the Central Bank’s independence in managing monetary policy. He stressed the need for relevant authorities to fulfill their responsibilities in executing banking policies, curbing currency speculation, and enforcing strict oversight on service and essential goods prices.
Appreciation for International Support
President Alimi expressed profound gratitude for the economic, developmental, and humanitarian support from the coalition led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He acknowledged their crucial role in enabling the state to meet its obligations and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Yemeni people.
This meeting underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to navigate Yemen’s economic challenges and ensure a stable and prosperous future for its citizens.
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