JEDDAH — The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday Saudi Arabia’s economy is recovering well from the COVID-19 pandemic and the fund expected the non-oil economy to grow by 4.3 percent this year, with overall GDP growth seen at 2.4 percent. The global financial institution lauded the Saudi government for taking a quick and decisive response to the pandemic which helped soften its impact on people and firms. Saudi Arabia’s reform measures introduced before the pandemic also played an important role in dealing with the fallout of the pandemic, the IMF added in its report, saying that an economic recovery is underway and is expected to continue. Over the medium term, growth is expected to accelerate as the economic reform agenda begins to pay dividends. Inflation is expected at 3.2 percent in 2021, according to the report. IMF expects that the private sector will lead the growth this year to reach 5.8 percent, and it will continue in the medium and long term with an average growth of 4.8 percent. While central government fiscal consolidation will be a drag on growth, it is expected to be offset by higher Public Investment Fund investment and strong private demand, the IMF noted. The IMF welcomed the growing role of women in the Saudi economy as well as changes that allow expatriate workers to move between jobs more easily. The continued increase of women’s participation in the economy will boost productivity, growth, and household incomes, the global financial institution pointed out.