Ireland will take part in major international discussions on the global economy this week as Minister of State Frank Feighan T.D. travels to Bangkok, Thailand, for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group.
The Department of Finance confirmed that Minister Feighan will represent Ireland from 13 to 16 October. His visit comes as economic and financial leaders prepare to address global economic uncertainty, fiscal pressures and the importance of international cooperation.
Frank Feighan Bangkok visit focuses on global economic cooperation
The annual meetings bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, senior officials and international financial institutions to examine current and emerging economic, fiscal and monetary developments.
Minister Feighan, who is Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, will participate in a series of ministerial and official-level engagements. The visit will also provide an opportunity to present Ireland’s perspective in international discussions affecting economic policy and financial stability.
In his remarks ahead of the event, Minister Feighan highlighted the value of multilateralism amid continuing global conflicts and recent economic turbulence. He will also represent the European Union at the G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, in Ireland’s capacity as Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Ireland’s role in international finance discussions
The meetings are expected to cover several issues relevant to governments, financial institutions and economies worldwide. Minister Feighan is scheduled to attend:
- The Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action
- The Ukrainian Ministerial Roundtable
- The IMF Anti-Money Laundering and Corruption Thematic Fund Ministerial
- The World Bank Development Committee
- The IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings Plenary
He will also meet ministerial counterparts and officials from the IMF and World Bank Group. These engagements are intended to support dialogue on practical responses to shared economic challenges.
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Why the 2026 IMF and World Bank meetings are being held in Bangkok
The IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings are generally hosted in Washington, D.C. However, the meetings are held outside the United States once every three years. Thailand was selected as the host country for the 2026 gathering, making Bangkok the centre of international economic and financial discussions during the October event.
The visit also places Ireland’s international economic engagement alongside the work of agencies such as the Central Bank, the National Treasury Management Agency and the Department of Finance. While the meetings are global in scope, decisions and discussions on financial resilience, climate action, anti-corruption measures and development can influence public policy in Ireland.
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Key takeaway
The Frank Feighan Bangkok visit gives Ireland an opportunity to contribute directly to high-level conversations about global economic stability, climate finance, governance and international cooperation. His participation at the IMF, World Bank and G20-related meetings will ensure that Ireland’s views are represented during an important period for the world economy.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
