BANGKOK, October 17, 2026: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has expressed both optimism and concern about the global economic outlook as the IMF and World Bank annual meetings concluded in Bangkok, Thailand.
Georgieva said the resilience of the global economy, the promise of artificial intelligence and Asia’s economic dynamism were encouraging signs. However, she warned that inflation, high debt levels, wars and climate risks continued to threaten economic stability.
She also highlighted the difficulties facing low-income countries, particularly those importing oil and struggling with higher energy costs and borrowing expenses.
According to Georgieva, debt repayments now consume between 8 and 14 percent of government revenue in low-income countries. She said the IMF had a responsibility to help vulnerable economies restructure debt where necessary, attract international financing and protect their poorest citizens.
The IMF chief also warned that the benefits of the artificial intelligence investment boom were not reaching all countries equally. While AI is supporting growth in some advanced economies, poorer nations are facing mounting financial pressures.
Georgieva called for international cooperation, responsible spending and stronger support for vulnerable countries to help sustain economic growth.
