Holding WB/IMF annual meetings in Morocco, a “judicious” Choice, IMF chief says
Holding the Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Morocco is a “judicious” choice, said IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva Saturday.
“The choice couldn’t have been more judicious,” Georgieva told reporters upon arrival in Rabat to take part in a series of preparatory meetings for the 2023 WB/IMF annual meetings, scheduled for next October in Marrakech.
The IMF Chief highlighted Morocco’s uniqueness as a country with a rich history and culture, a dynamic economy that has been transformed in recent decades, and the hospitality of its people.
She expressed warm thanks to the Moroccan authorities and people for hosting the WB/IMF Annual Meetings, pointing out that this is the first time the event is returning to an Arab country in more than 20 years, and to Africa in half a century.
In a video she recorded in front of the centuries-old historical site of Chellah in Rabat and published Saturday on Twitter, the IMF chief stated that Morocco, a country that bridges Africa, the Middle East and Europe, is the “perfect place” for holding the WB/IMF annual meetings.
“Thrilled to be back in Morocco- a country that bridges Africa, the Middle East and Europe. The perfect place for our annual meetings,” scheduled for October 9 to 15 in Marrakesh, she tweeted, using the hashtag #Marrakech 2023.
She recalled that in just four months the international finance community will gather in Marrakesh.
“I cannot think of a better place. Morocco is a country that bridges Africa, the Middle east, Europe, a crossroad, and a place where ideas flourish. A country with rich culture, great traditions, strong and vibrant economy, but above all a country of wonderful people,” she added.
While in Morocco, Georgieva will be taking part in a series of meetings and activities, including a high-level round table on Central Bank Digital Currencies, organized, Monday in Rabat, by Bank Al-Maghrib and the IMF.
The Annual Meetings are the major annual event of international finance. Some 15,000 personalities are expected to attend, including Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the 189 member countries of the two international financial institutions, as well as leading figures in international finance, international experts and opinion-makers, and representatives of the media, NGOs and academia.
