Speaking at the annual gathering of global leaders from government, business, and civil society in Davos, Switzerland, Calviño underlined that the Group can help mobilise private and public investment for a range of strategic objectives from security and support for Ukraine to green transition and innovation.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and CaixaBank have signed a guarantee agreement that will enable the Spanish bank to issue up to €150 million in new financing for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in Spain, mainly, and across Europe. The agreement consists of a de-linked risk sharing operation in the form of an EIB investment of up to €150 million, committing CaixaBank to finance projects worth this amount.

A stronger economic recovery is projected for 2024, with real GDP expanding by 4.3 percent driven by agricultural production, investment, and reforms; rebounding from the estimated 2.7 percent growth in 2023.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Thailand.

Country Report No. 2024/022

Remarks by Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva at the 10th Anniversary Conference of the IMF's Africa Training Institute

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Oman.

Antigua and Barbuda’s economy continues to bounce back from the sharp contraction experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Real activity is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, with growth projected at 5.7 percent, driven by a rebound in tourism and construction activity. Inflation has declined from 2022 peaks but remains elevated (at 6.6 percent in August this year), accompanied by moderating core inflation. The financial sector is well capitalized and liquid and the share of nonperforming loans is stable, with credit growth remaining weak.

Greece’s economic outlook has improved notably. After a strong post-pandemic recovery, economic activity remained robust with real GDP growth projected at 2.3 percent in 2023 and 2.1 percent in 2024. Private consumption will be supported by positive real wage growth while investment will continue to expand with the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan supported by Next Generation EU funds. Headline inflation is forecast to reach 2 percent by end-2025 as pressures on core inflation will dissipate only gradually despite continued normalization of energy and food prices.