Accra:The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, expressed her admiration for Thailand's successful hosting of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings. She likened the achievement to winning a gold medal at the Olympics in finance, highlighting the exceptional hospitality and warmth of the Thai people.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Georgieva commended Thailand for the memorable conference, emphasizing three key successes raising awareness of global interdependence, underscored by a replica royal barge on stage; highlighting governmental responsibility in economic management; and Thailand’s exemplary role as host, which she compared to a financial Olympics.
Ms. Georgieva also shared her optimistic outlook on Thailand's economy over the next decade, noting the country's dynamism and adaptability, particularly in embracing artificial intelligence. She expects Thailand to significantly enhance productivity and leverage technology for long-term growth, aligning with Asia's major contribution to global economic expansion.
Additionally, she expressed her personal appreciation for Thai culture, particularly Thai silk, which she plans to wear throughout the conference week as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. Her admiration extends to the woven fabrics displayed during the conference, which reminded her of the importance of economic policies prioritizing people's well-being.
Ms. Georgieva concluded with a hope that despite any changes over the next decade, the smiles of the Thai people, for which the country is renowned, will endure.