"National Bank" discusses key global economic and financial challenges with top international officials

National Bank of Kuwait is participating in the annual events and meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, scheduled to take place from the 12th to the 18th of this month in Bangkok, Thailand, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance international cooperation and exchange expertise in the fields of finance and economics.

The National Bank of Kuwait delegation is led by Essam Al-Saqer, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Kuwait Group, alongside Salah Al-Faleh, CEO of National Bank of Kuwait – Kuwait; Sulaiman Al-Marzouq, Deputy CEO of National Bank of Kuwait – Kuwait; Omar Al-Bu Hadeeba, CEO of the External Branches and Subsidiaries Group; Khaled Al-Sayer, Head of Financial Institutions; and Abdulmohsen Al-Rashid, Head of Digital Engagement.

The bank’s delegation will participate in the annual meetings, which will discuss the most prominent economic and financial challenges, as well as several key topics, including how governance reforms contribute to enhancing economic growth and social inclusion.

The delegation will also attend the Global Thirty Forum, held in parallel with the IMF and World Bank annual meetings. This forum brings together central bank governors, financial sector presidents and chief executive officers, and academics each year to discuss the most pressing financial and systemic issues facing the global central banking community. Additionally, the delegation will attend the annual meeting of the Institute of International Finance (IIF) members.

Furthermore, the delegation will attend a reception hosted by the Kuwait Banks Union for senior global banking leaders on the sidelines of the events and meetings, attended by leaders of Kuwaiti banks, heads of global banks and European and Arab central banks, along with numerous prominent global figures and policymakers. The delegation will also attend a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Thailand and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Asia Forum, as well as receptions hosted by other financial institutions.

The IMF Board of Governors and the World Bank Group convene these annual meetings to bring together a select group of central bank governors, finance and development ministers, private sector executives, representatives of civil society organizations and think tanks, and academics, to discuss issues of global concern, including global economic outlooks, global financial stability, poverty eradication, inclusive economic growth, and job creation.

The National Bank of Kuwait delegation will hold a number of bilateral meetings with senior international officials on the sidelines of the meetings, which take place during the same period. These meetings and discussions highlight the most significant challenges currently facing the global banking and financial industry. The annual meetings include sessions of several committees, notably the Development Committee, the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), the Group of Ten, the Group of Twenty-Four, and many other circles. The IMFC meeting is expected to focus on the future of the global economy, developments in financial markets, and other urgent issues.