21/10/2026 06:09 AST
The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) delegation concluded its participation in the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 12 to 18, as part of the Bank's commitment to strengthening its presence at leading global economic and financial forums and maintaining an active role in international economic dialogue. Heading the delegation was Isam Al-Sager, Vice Chairman and Group Chief Executive Officer, accompanied by Salah Al-Fulaij, Chief Executive Officer, NBK - Kuwait; Sulaiman Al-Marzouq, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, NBK - Kuwait; Omar Bouhadiba, CEO - International Banking Group; Khaled Al-Sayer, Head of Financial Institutions; and Abdul Mohsen Al-Rushaid, Head of Digital Communications.
As part of its participation, NBK attended a reception hosted by the Kuwait Banking Association at Capella Bangkok, held under the patronage and in the presence of Basel Al-Haroon, Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait. The event brought together prominent international banking leaders, heads of Kuwaiti banks, Arab central bank governors, and senior officials and decision-makers from around the world.
The program also included a luncheon hosted by Dr Mishal Al-Mansour, Kuwait's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand, at the InterContinental Bangkok in honor of the Kuwaiti delegation participating in the meetings. The gathering provided an opportunity to exchange views on key economic and financial issues on the meetings' agenda and strengthen engagement among representatives of participating Kuwaiti institutions.
On the sidelines of the Annual Meetings, NBK representatives participated in discussions at the GCC-Asia Economic Forum, organized by the Kuwait Banking Association. Discussions focused on strengthening economic and investment cooperation between GCC and Asian countries, exploring promising opportunities for financial and trade collaboration, and addressing the challenges currently facing the global economy.
Meetings and events
As part of its participation in the Annual Meetings, NBK attended a series of sessions and events bringing together leading economic and financial decision-makers from around the world. Discussions addressed major economic developments and global challenges, the future of financial markets and the banking sector, and prospects for economic growth and global financial stability.
A series of bilateral meetings with senior officials, decision-makers, and representatives of international financial institutions provided opportunities to explore potential cooperation and exchange perspectives on key regional and global economic and financial developments.
The program also included participation in the annual G30 seminar, which brings together central bank governors, financial sector chief executives, academics, and economists to discuss major financial and monetary issues affecting the global economy and international financial system.
The delegation also attended the IIF Annual Membership Meeting, a leading platform for dialogue among international financial and banking institutions, where discussions focused on financial stability, economic policies, and challenges facing the global financial sector.
A platform for global economic dialogue
The IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings are among the world's largest and most significant economic and financial gatherings, bringing together central bank governors, finance and development ministers, private sector executives, representatives of international organizations, think tanks, and academia to discuss economic and financial issues of global importance.
This year's meetings featured extensive discussions on the global economic outlook, financial stability, and the role of governance reforms in supporting economic growth and promoting social inclusion. They also addressed challenges facing global financial markets and the banking sector amid rapid economic transformations. The agenda included meetings of several key committees and groups, including the Development Committee, the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC), the Group of Ten (G10), and the Group of Twenty-Four (G24), alongside numerous seminars and specialized sessions examining pressing economic and development issues.
Through its annual participation in the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, NBK reaffirms its commitment to keeping pace with global economic developments and strengthening relationships with international financial institutions. This engagement reinforces the Bank's leading position, facilitates the adoption of international best practices and the continued development of its banking services, while supporting economic development and financial stability in Kuwait and across the region. The meetings also provide an important opportunity for NBK to exchange expertise and perspectives with senior officials, leading economists, and international banking executives, while gaining insights into the latest trends and developments shaping the global banking and financial industry.
NBK maintains an extensive international presence spanning 13 countries across four continents and holds one of the highest credit ratings among major banks in the Middle East, as assessed by the three leading global credit rating agencies: Moody's, Fitch Ratings, and S&P Global Ratings.
Kuwait Times
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