No recession in sight

■ TIGHTENING OF LIQUIDITY LIMITS GROWTH

■ REQUIRED REFORMS START WITH ELECTRICITY

■ REMITTANCE INFLOWS STABLE

Real GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.2 percent in 2018, according to the World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to Riad Salameh, Governor of the Central Bank (BDL), the growth recorded in 2018 ranges between one percent and 1.5 percent. WB and IMF forecasts show that the economy is expected to achieve a real growth of 0.9 percent and 1.3 percent respectively in 2019. While the WB attributed further economic slowdown in 2018 to tight liquidity, the country could witness a gradual increase in capital inflows if the government carries out significant fiscal consolidation and structural reforms, according to the Institute of