IMF says it's encouraged by Gulf's economic reform plans

By Andrew Torchia DUBAI (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund said it was encouraged by the efforts of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab oil exporters to repair damage to their state finances as low crude prices slash export revenues. "I do see in a number of countries action to address the budget deficit," Masood Ahmed, director of the IMF’s Middle East and central Asia department, said in an interview. "That gives us encouragement and comfort." He was speaking hours before Saudi Ara