Rabat – The annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), which is set to be held in Marrakech from October 9 to 15, will accommodate more than 14,000 people from around the world, Morocco’s central bank has indicated.
Led by finance ministers and central bank governors, official delegations from 189 member countries are anticipated in Morocco to discuss global economic issues, development concerns, and financing policies in a scenario of recession exacerbated by growing geopolitical tensions.
For Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Morocco’s Economy and Finance Minister, the fact that the meetings will be held as scheduled despite the September 8 earthquake is proof of Morocco’s confidence in these two institutions, particularly in view of the successful management of the devastating aftermath of the quake in accordance with King Mohammed VI’s instructions.
For IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, the hosting of the highly respected Annual World Bank-IMF Meetings in Marrakech is a message of solidarity with the north African country and with all countries coping with natural disasters.
Morocco has the opportunity to share its expertise with the rest of the world at this summit and to show the world all the work that has been done to transform and develop the Moroccan economy at all levels.
Read also: IMF Spokesperson: IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings ‘Will Showcase Morocco’s Strength’
Africa will be one of the meeting’s main areas of focus alongside the recovery of the global economy, Georgieva said, highlighting the difficulties facing African countries, particularly in terms of physical connectivity between nations, the removal of trade and non-trade barriers, and the introduction of a digital currency.
The much-anticipated meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for the global community to discuss Africa’s prospects, as well as issues affecting the continent, such as the inclusion of young people, debt problems facing many of its nations, and climate change.
The agenda of this worldwide gathering includes side events to address a variety of issues, such as the energy crisis, climate change issues, migration, international cooperation, post-Covid recovery, and global political and economic fragmentation.
According to the organizers, this year’s annual meetings will focus on six main themes: financial and digital inclusion, sustainable development, reforms of international financial institutions, entrepreneurship and innovation, social safety nets, and tolerance and living together.
