This global spotlight presents Thailand with an opportunity to position itself to the world as a forward-looking, resilient nation with bold ideas and real potential for future prosperity. The World Bank Group in Thailand is working with Thai stakeholders to amplify the 2026 Annual Meetings—through the development vision report “Building Thailand’s Future Today” that aims to set out a vision of Thailand’s future and key drivers of growth and jobs in five key industries of the future where Thailand has a comparative advantage: Advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, digital services, sustainable and health tourism, and creative economy. This is supported by a structured approach to engaging with government, civil society and business leaders through a platform for dialogue or foresight process to shape a shared vision for each of Thailand's future industries, the key enablers, and the actions needed to get there.
In the decades since the 1991 Annual Meetings were held in Thailand, the East Asia and the Pacific region has transformed in remarkable ways. As the world's fastest-growing region, these economies have fueled close to 40 percent of global GDP, provided a home for over half of the world’s population, and driven approximately 60 percent of recent global growth. The region has been resilient to many recent shocks, including the pandemic, regional conflicts, and the global inflation surge of 2022-23, and is once again navigating a difficult global trade policy environment. More generally, East Asia stands at an exciting crossroads with opportunities and challenges posed by sweeping transformations in technological advances, climate shocks, aging populations, and changing patterns of trade and financial flows.
Learn more about the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, which Thailand will host, at Website: https://www.am2026thailand.go.th/ and Facebook: www.facebook.com/AM2026Thailand.
