Published: 13:50, March 5, 2026 | Updated: 15:22, March 5, 2026
IMF chief says Middle East conflict tests global economy, warning potential impacts
By Xinhua

Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, attends the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan 23, 2026. (PHOTO/AP)

BANGKOK - Global economic resilience has been tested yet again by the new conflict in the Middle East, said Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Thursday.

"This conflict, if it proves to be more prolonged, has obvious potential to affect global energy prices, market sentiment, growth, and inflation, placing new demands on policymakers," according to Georgieva's opening remarks made at the Asia in 2050 Conference in Bangkok.

Underscoring uncertainty is the new normal, Georgieva warned that new shocks in different shapes and sizes will keep coming.

For most of Asia, what is at stake is energy security and, through that, confidence, said Georgieva, noting that stock markets are already reacting.

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IMF, as guardian of international economic and financial stability, is watching the events unfold very carefully, she said, adding that the IMF is assessing and quantifying the regional and global economic ramifications.