IMF and World Bank meetings begin in Bangkok with Kuwaiti participation

The International Monetary Fund’s Knowledge Bank officially launched today, Monday, in Bangkok, as part of its 81st session, joining Kuwait, which seeks to develop economic and financial skills, address cooperative medical assistance development issues, and tackle global development challenges, as well as smart energy pricing, loans, and requirements worldwide.

The meetings, which run until October 18, feature Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi, while Kuwait’s delegation is led by Minister of Finance Yaqoub Al-Rafai. The delegation includes Hamad Al-Marzouq, representing the Kuwait Banks Union, and Bassel Al-Haroun, Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait.

Other Kuwaiti delegation members attending the opening ceremony included Hamad Al-Marzouq, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kuwait Finance House; Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of National Bank of Kuwait; Nicole Al-Majed, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait; Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bank AlBilad; and Abdullah Al-Samit, Vice Chief Executive Officer of Bank AlBilad.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Lalitda Pongsawatana addressed the event, with coverage by CNN and Thai media, emphasizing the government’s commitment to leveraging opportunities to showcase the country’s economic capabilities, attract foreign investment, and cooperate with international financial institutions to support long-term economic growth, boost business sector revenues, and deliver tangible benefits.

The Thai pavilion, inaugurated today as part of the conference activities, showcases the country’s capabilities and development plans across three main pillars: digital internet infrastructure, climate change mitigation, and healthcare systems alongside the longevity economy and demographic shifts relative to age representation.

The first day’s events featured more than 25 activities and specialized technical sessions discussing the use of low-cost artificial intelligence applications to improve job opportunities and quality, alongside panel debates on the future of Asian economies. Youth representatives and civil society organizations also participated in discussions on development policies.

The International Monetary Fund recently released a book on Asia’s future, addressing demographic transitions, economic divisions, and radical changes in trade and technology. Dialogue sessions will be held with event leaders and the World Bank to explore economic and developmental partnerships.

The main plenary session of the annual meetings is scheduled for October 16, featuring leaders from the IMF and the World Bank, as well as representatives of countries, in conjunction with the International Monetary and Financial Committee. The following day, Kuwait expressed its hope to assist Thailand for a second time, having previously hosted it in 1991.