Rabat – The World Bank and IMF annual meetings will take place on October 9-15 in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, as initially announced.
The IMF, Morocco’s Economy Ministry, and the World Bank confirmed the news on Monday evening in a joint statement, stressing that the staff of the two organizations worked together with Morocco authorities to assess whether Marrakech can still hold the annual meetings.
Marrakech was one of the regions most affected by the September 8 earthquake in central Morocco, with considerable damage in the city’s old Medina.
“Key considerations were that the Meetings would not disrupt vital relief and reconstruction efforts and that the safety of the participants can be assured,” the IMF statement said, noting that the management of the World Bank and IMF, together with the Moroccan authorities, have “agreed to proceed with holding the 2023 Annual Meetings in Marrakech from October 9 to 15, adapting the content to the circumstances.”
The IMF emphasized that the annual meetings will also serve as an opportunity for the international community to “stand by Morocco and its people, who have once again shown resilience in the face of tragedy.”
“We also remain committed to ensuring the safety of all participants,” the statement continued.
Morocco witnessed the deadliest and strongest earthquake that struck the country in 120 years on September 8, killing over 2,900 people and injuring over 5,500 others.
Rescue operations have been ongoing since the disaster, with many applauding the country’s resilience.
Despite the disaster, Marrakech has seemingly returned to normal life while reconstruction efforts continue, with many urging tourists and visitors not to shy away from visiting due to the earthquake.
