IMF and World Bank meet in Bangkok as gloomy global outlook looms
Thailand hosts the IMF and World Bank annual meetings from Oct. 12 to 18, the first time since 1991. The Fund publishes its new World Economic Outlook on Tuesday.
Archive image · Photo: กสิณธร ราชโอรส / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped and resized)
The annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank open in Bangkok on Monday and run until Oct. 18 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. It is the first time in 35 years that Thailand has hosted the gathering, last held there in 1991. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and World Bank President Ajay Banga are among the participants.
The highlight comes on Oct. 13, when the IMF releases its World Economic Outlook and Global Financial Stability Report. According to Reuters, the Fund has already cut its global growth forecast twice this year because of the Iran war. Georgieva has warned of high energy prices, record public debt and strained bond markets. The Fiscal Monitor and a Georgieva news conference follow on Oct. 14.
The plenary session is on Oct. 16, followed by a public conversation between Georgieva and U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. Sessions on artificial intelligence and jobs, green finance and cyber risks are also scheduled. Thailand says its priorities are economic resilience, inclusive growth and protection against financial fraud.