IMF, World Bank kick off spring meetings in Washington

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank are beginning their annual spring meetings in Washington on Tuesday amid a backdrop of uncertainty around the globe

The IMF will update its World Economic Outlook, having predicted in January that 2019 will show the weakest pace of growth in three years amid a sharp slowdown in the euro zone in particular. The report might be eyed by the European Central Bank members who are due to announce their latest rate decision on Wednesday.

The spring meetings of IMF and the World Bank Group — scheduled to last until April 14 — bring together central bankers, ministers of finance and development, parliamentarians, private sector executives, representatives from civil society organisations and academics.

This year’s gatherings are intended to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, world’s financial system, poverty eradication, employment and growth, economic development, and aid effectiveness.

Egypt will be sending a delegation to this year’s meetings, represented in the central bank governor Tarek Amer and his deputies Lobna Helal and Ramy Abu El Naga along with Finance Minister Mohamed Maiet and International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr.