Thailand Praises IMF and World Bank Meeting Outcomes, Emphasizes Importance of Enhancing Economic Cooperation

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 18 (KUNA) -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniit Nitithanprapas emphasized today, Sunday, the importance of the outcomes of the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in strengthening international economic cooperation and addressing global challenges, following the conclusion of the meetings in Bangkok.

In a meeting with the media to review the results of the meetings held from October 12 to 18, Ekniit stated that the discussions allowed for the exchange of views on urgent challenges facing the global economy. He expressed his country’s hope that the discussions and recommendations would contribute to formulating effective macroeconomic policies that enhance international cooperation and work toward developing a more resilient global economic system capable of sustainably coping with fluctuations and uncertainties.

He clarified that a key message from the World Bank regarding employment was the need to train workers to use artificial intelligence to increase their incomes and improve their productivity.

On the level of economic and investment cooperation, Ekniit revealed that he held about 50 meetings during the week, including bilateral talks with representatives from around 20 countries and an economic bloc. He noted that investors from the Middle East, including representatives from Bahrain and the Islamic Development Bank, expressed their desire to direct investments to Thailand. He added that he would work on connecting them with the Islamic Bank of Thailand to develop the Islamic finance sector and leverage his country’s position as a hub for this activity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Regarding economic relations with Europe, he clarified that Thailand seeks to strengthen its cooperation with European countries, particularly in light of the imminent implementation of the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and Europe’s expertise in energy transition and carbon markets.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stated that Asia represents the most dynamic region in the global economy, contributing 68 percent of global economic growth this year, with Thailand and ASEAN at the heart of this economic activity. She expressed her expectation of rising productivity levels and accelerated capacity to adapt to economic and technological changes over the next decade. (End) E.A.B. / A.B.G.