IMF 2026 Annual Meetings: Asia-Pacific, Food Security, and Middle East/Central Asia Outlook Briefings

This video brings together three IMF 2026 Annual Meetings sessions: a press briefing on the Asia-Pacific regional economic outlook, a panel on food security in an age of shocks, and a press briefing on the Middle East and Central Asia outlook. IMF officials and finance ministers address the economic effects of energy, trade, climate, and conflict shocks, along with policy options for inflation, fiscal sustainability, and social protection.

■ Asia-Pacific regional outlook Q&A
- Energy and supply shocks in Thailand and Asia; household debt and consumption in Thailand
- China's weak domestic demand and property slump; regional trade integration
- AI-driven growth in Japan and Korea; vulnerability to AI investment cycle shifts
- India's growth and external pressures; Bangladesh inflation and Sri Lanka's IMF program
- Nepal central bank independence; Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Pacific Islands outlooks

■ Food security in an age of shocks panel
- Drivers: climate events, conflicts, trade and logistics disruptions, energy and fertilizer costs
- Country experiences: Somalia, Burkina Faso, Djibouti, and regional perspectives
- Policy responses: targeted transfers, digital social registries, cash assistance, preparedness, and exit strategies
- Fiscal constraints, regional cooperation, and climate finance

■ Middle East and Central Asia regional outlook
- War in the Middle East and oil supply shock; divergent MENA outlook
- GCC economies, oil exporters vs importers, inflation and recovery assumptions
- CCA resilience, remittances, investment, and inflation pressures
- Country-specific questions: Lebanon, Egypt, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia

Viewers can gain an overview of how the IMF assesses these regions' near-term risks and policy priorities, including fiscal, monetary, and structural responses. It is suited for policymakers, economists, journalists, and others following global economic developments and IMF surveillance work.