IMF urges ASEAN to grow together in a changing global landscape

Today 10:52 Key points summarised by AI

The IMF highlights ASEAN's crucial role in driving global economic growth, now ranking as the 4th largest economy despite facing challenges like volatile commodity prices.
IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva stresses the importance of stronger internal and external partnerships for ASEAN to navigate the changing and fragmented global landscape.
Georgieva outlines key priorities for ASEAN nations: protecting fiscal buffers, accelerating reforms, boosting intra-regional trade, and deepening cooperation in digital and infrastructure.
The IMF emphasizes that collective growth and continued cooperation are essential to strengthen ASEAN in an increasingly shock-prone world.

Thai finance minister urges restoration of global order in a fragmented world

Yesterday 16:52 Key points summarised by AI

Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas called for a renewed commitment to international order and deeper cross-border integration to navigate global economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts.
He highlighted a paradigm shift where economic security, supply chain resilience, and market diversification now take precedence over traditional cost efficiency for nations and corporations.
Thailand actively diversifies its energy imports, moving beyond the Middle East to regions like Latin America, and leverages a 47% surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications to mitigate geopolitical risks.
Ekniti urged ASEAN member states to establish stronger, interconnected regional frameworks to enhance collective resilience against global energy shocks, positioning Thailand as a "trusted connector."
He emphasized that open economies must pair market access with domestic capability building, investing in human capital development and rule-based governance for long-term stability and workforce productivity.