WASHINGTON, DC - MANAGEMENT of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed confidence in the people and Government of Morocco in their efforts to rebound from the recent earthquake, while the country is slated to host the 2023 Annual Meeting of the IMF and the World Bank.
But just as management has expressed confidence, it is taking a cautious approach and is cognizant of the challenges that the African nation faces in its recovery efforts. Management has also taken a number of factors into consideration while making the final decision.
The Annual Meeting of the World Bank/IMF is slated for October and is expected to bring together more than 16,000 individuals to the African nation, which raised concerns of many, whether going ahead with the meeting would impact recovery efforts. But the Director of Communications at the IMF, Julie Kozack, explained that was also concerned when making the determination.
“Based on the careful review of the findings of the managements of the World Bank and the IMF, together with the Moroccan authorities, have agreed to proceed with holding the 2023 Annual Meeting in Marrakesh, Morocco,” Kozack said.
On September 8, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake shook the African nation, killing thousands.
The twinisland Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis had sent its condolences, as many of the houses and buildings that collapsed did not adhere to the country’s building codes - trapping and killing thousands in the late evening hours.
A number of students from St. Kitts-Nevis and the wider OECS member states were not impacted by the devastation, according to the OECS Ambassador accredited to the Kingdom, Ian Queeley.
During her media briefing yesterday (Sept. 29), Kozack noted that the Fund has expressed its condolences to the people of Morocco and Libya. The latter was struck by a devastating flood that killing thousands and resulted in loses that will have a lasting impact.
According to reports out Libya, at least 4,000 people perished in the flood and many others are still missing.
“Our hearts are with the victims of the tragedy and their loved ones,” Kozack lamented..
The IMF/World Bank Meetins will be held from October 9-15 at a newly-constructed temporary facility in Marrakesh which was not affected by the earthquake.
