IMF annual meetings in Bangkok close with a warning on debt service in low-income countries

17 October 2026

The annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand wrapped up on 17 October 2026, attended by more than 15,000 policymakers from 191 countries. Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the discussions showed both optimism and worry, citing artificial intelligence, inflation, high debt, wars and climate risks. She said higher global interest rates mean low-income countries now spend 8 to 14 per cent of revenue on debt repayments, called inflation a tax on the poor, and said the Fund has a responsibility to help countries restructure debt when needed. Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the Saudi finance minister who chairs the International Monetary and Financial Committee, warned that escalating conflicts and trade tensions could disrupt trade routes and push up commodity prices. Georgieva said the Fund plans to back Iraq firmly with a requested loan programme and that talks with Lebanon are progressing. A day earlier, speaking at the same meetings, she said the risks of artificial intelligence may exceed the opportunities if there are no safeguards.