Bangkok:The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is supporting Thailand's role as the host of the 2026 IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings. These meetings, themed 'Thailand's New Horizons Empowering People, Building Resilience,' align with BAAC's mission of promoting sustainable rural development and improving farmers' quality of life.
According to Thai News Agency, the meetings are scheduled to occur from October 12-18, 2026, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. The event will welcome over 15,000 participants from 191 countries, including finance ministers, central bank governors, and academic leaders. BAAC aims to showcase its commitment to economic resilience and inclusive growth through this global forum.
The meetings will serve as a platform for discussing global economic issues, encouraging knowledge exchange, and promoting international cooperation. These activities are anticipated to contribute to economic growth, financial stability, and sustainable development, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Thai people.
Hosting the event will elevate Thailand's international profile by underlining its economic and financial capabilities in Southeast Asia. It also offers an opportunity to display Thailand's infrastructure, tourism, and cultural attractions, which can stimulate the domestic economy and promote Thai culture internationally.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, BAAC is facilitating the presentation of 'Essence Glam,' a collection of enhanced community products made by its customer farmers. These products will be available at the meetings, providing participants the chance to purchase unique Thai-made items.
Highlighted products include traditional-pattern fabric bags from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, ready-to-eat Hom Mali jasmine rice from Roi Et, Surin, and Nakhon Pathom, and embroidered mud-dyed fabric bags from Sukhothai. Additional items include cotton shawls from Trat, water hyacinth bags from Phayao, and Thai checked-cloth elephant dolls from Ratchaburi.
To further market access, BAAC has developed BAAC Matching, an online marketplace where consumers can purchase products directly from BAAC customer businesses, thereby expanding opportunities for farmers and community enterprises nationwide.