Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (fourth, left) and other heads of delegations at the IMF-WB annual meetings in Bali (Photo: VNA)

The event also saw the presence of finance ministers and central bank governors of 189 member countries of IMF and WB, leaders of international organizations, representatives of many enterprises and social organizations, and researchers from around the world.
Themed “Harnessing disruption to shape inclusive economies of the future”, the annual meetings are scheduled to discuss many emerging issues in the global economy, such as the impact of trade wars on international and regional economic growth prospects; financial and monetary policy coordination; as well as the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on economic growth, financial stability, employment, and social equality and progress.

Addressing the opening session, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde and WB Group President Jim Yong Kim called on countries to improve resilience in their economies; promote structural reforms; support multilateralism; oppose protectionism; enhance global cooperation; reduce global imbalances; and make use of the Industry 4.0 to serve sustainable, equal, and inclusive development.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc receivesd IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde (Photo: VNA)

Later the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde. He applauded the IMF for supporting Vietnam’s socio-economic development policies and providing training courses and consultation on how to stabilize the macro economy, boost growth, and ensure social welfare. Mr. Phuc called on the IMF to continue consulting with Vietnam about economic restructuring, growth model reform, and finance-banking improvement.

On Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Phuc headed to Hanoi, concluding his trip to attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering on the sidelines of the IMF-WB annual meetings and a working visit to Indonesia.