Morocco joins IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok

14:22

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco joins IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok

Morocco is taking part in the 2026 annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 12 to 18. The Moroccan delegation includes officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Bank Al-Maghrib, the country’s central bank.

The meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, development officials, representatives of international financial institutions, private-sector leaders and civil society organizations. Discussions focus on the challenges facing the global economy and the policies needed to support sustainable growth, preserve financial stability and advance development.

This year’s gathering takes place amid heightened geopolitical tensions, pressure on energy prices and concerns about rising public debt. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence are also reshaping economic priorities, raising questions about productivity, labour-market changes and the ability of developing economies to benefit from emerging technologies.

Participants are expected to explore coordinated responses to these challenges, including ways to balance fiscal discipline with productive investment and employment creation. Governments face the task of managing public finances while continuing to fund infrastructure, education, healthcare and other services essential to long-term economic development.

Artificial intelligence is among the key topics on the agenda, particularly its potential to create jobs and support economic activity in developing countries. While the technology could improve productivity and open new business opportunities, its benefits will depend on access to digital infrastructure, skills development and policies that help workers adapt to changes in the labour market.

Another priority is mobilizing private capital to support employment and development. International financial institutions and governments are examining ways to encourage private investment in productive sectors, particularly in economies where public resources alone may be insufficient to meet infrastructure and social needs.

The meetings also provide a platform for bilateral discussions between national delegations and the leadership of the IMF and World Bank. Such exchanges allow participating countries to present their economic priorities, discuss financing and development issues, and explore opportunities for international cooperation.

For Morocco, participation offers an opportunity to engage in discussions on global economic policy and share perspectives on the challenges facing emerging and developing economies. The country’s economic priorities include sustaining growth, improving employment opportunities, attracting investment and maintaining macroeconomic stability in an uncertain international environment.

Morocco previously hosted the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Marrakech in 2023. The event brought together representatives from 189 member countries, including finance and development ministers, central bank governors, parliamentarians, private-sector representatives and civil society organizations.

The Bangkok gathering continues this international dialogue at a time when governments are navigating economic uncertainty, technological change and growing financing needs. Its discussions are expected to contribute to broader efforts to coordinate policies, strengthen resilience and support inclusive development across member economies.