The monetary and financial committee of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held a meting here last night. In an address at the meeting, Saudi Finance Minister Dr Ibrahim Al-Assaf shed light on the economic situation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as well as on the current international financial crisis. Dr Al-Assaf said the Kingdom has preserved its economic performance and attained growth and surplus at the level of general finance and current account in addition to reduction of the general debt and registered an increase in the non-petroleum exports. Dr Al-Assaf expressed optimism in the continuation of the excellent performance of the Saudi economy during next year under the strong banking sector and the ongoing efforts to improve the investment environment and create more job opportunities. --MORE
