Assaf said the continuing strong performance of the Saudi economy supported by great governmental investments in infrastructures projects and social sectors, has contributed to increasing the IMF forecasts for the economic growth in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this year. In terms of fiscal policy, the Minister of Finance pointed out that the overall policies pursued by the Kingdom during the past years, have contributed to the provision of adequate fiscal rooms to take strong actions in confronting the global financial crisis. Dr. Al-Assaf asserted the strength and safety of the banking sector which enjoys high profitability and financial solvency. For the developments in oil markets, the Minister of Finance stressed the Kingdom's commitment to strengthening the stability of the oil markets for the interests of producers and consumers alike and supporting the global economic growth, commending the progress in cooperation between oil producers and consumers, especially through the International Energy Forum and the signing of the Charter of the Forum in Riyadh last February.
