16th October 2026, Bangkok - Fiscal discipline, efficient public expenditure management and intensified structural reforms are essential to preserving economic stability and ensuring sustainable growth amid heightened global uncertainty. The global economy continues to demonstrate resilience, however, recurring economic shocks are eroding the available fiscal and energy buffers, while inflationary pressures remain a concern for many countries. Against such a backdrop, prudent macroeconomic policymaking is crucial to preserving price stability and preventing a further intensification of inflationary pressures.
These messages featured prominently at the plenary session of the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings, attended by Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska.
At the closing plenary session of the Annual Meetings in Bangkok, addresses were delivered by Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, and Carlos Carvallo Spalding, Chairman of the Annual Meetings and President of the Central Bank of Paraguay.
"In times of global uncertainty and recurring economic shocks, prudent public finance management is the cornerstone of a stable economy. Our focus is on fiscal consolidation, more efficient use of public funds and implementation of structural reforms aimed at boosting productivity, scaling up investments and strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic economy. The aim is to ensure sustainable growth and create better prospects for citizens and businesses," Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska pointed out.
During the Annual Meetings taking place in Bangkok last week, Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska met with Antonela Bassani, World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia, Alfonso Garcia Mora, IFC Vice President for Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eugene Rhuggenaath, World Bank Executive Director for the constituency of which our country is a member. The discussions highlighted the importance of accelerating reforms, implementing strategic investments and supporting the private sector as a key driver of economic growth.
The Minister also met with Bo Li, IMF Deputy Managing Director, Mateusz Szczurek, Director of the IMF's European Department, Jeroen Clicq, IMF Executive Director, and Marnix van Rij, Alternate Executive Director. Special emphasis was placed on medium-term fiscal consolidation, maintaining fiscal discipline and implementing reforms to strengthen the resilience of public finances, while supporting investments and economic growth.
The Annual Meetings provide a valuable platform for exchanging views and experiences with representatives of international financial institutions and economic policymakers, while also offering insights into global economic trends and their implications for national economies.
The key messages emerging from the Annual Meetings reaffirmed the importance of consistent and responsible economic policies, sustainable public finances and continuous reforms as the foundation for long-term stability, competitiveness and economic growth.
