Thailand is preparing to welcome finance ministers, central bank governors and development leaders to Bangkok for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group annual meetings from Monday, 12 October, to Sunday, 18 October.
More than 15,000 participants from 191 countries are expected, according to Reuters. Thailand last hosted the meetings in 1991. (reuters.com, imf.org)
Growth, investment and jobs on the agenda
The meetings bring together governments, businesses and civil society to discuss the world economy and development priorities.
The IMF is scheduled to publish its full October World Economic Outlook on Tuesday, 13 October. The report will provide updated forecasts and analysis of economic prospects. Its findings should be distinguished from predictions about what the organisation might announce. (imf.org)
The World Bank’s public programme includes discussions on attracting private investment for jobs and infrastructure, the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, and development priorities.
World Bank Group president Ajay Banga is also due to take questions from civil society representatives. Public sessions will be streamed online without registration, with interpretation available in several languages, including French and Arabic. (live.worldbank.org)
Traffic measures and weather warnings
Bangkok is making special arrangements to accommodate the gathering.
According to Reuters, government offices in Bangkok will work from home on selected days to ease traffic. Authorities have also strengthened security around the venue and official hotels.
Heavy rain is forecast for Bangkok and surrounding provinces on 10 and 11 October, with a risk of localised flooding. (reuters.com)
What to watch next
For African readers, the useful developments will be the economic forecasts, financing announcements and policy proposals that emerge from the meetings.
The published agenda establishes what will be discussed. It does not yet establish new funding commitments or agreed measures for individual countries.
