IMF Says ASEAN Contributes 10% to Global Growth

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The International Monetary Fund or IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva attended the 2023 ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum in Jakarta today, September 5. She said the Southeast Asian countries contributed 10 percent to global growth, which is more than double their weight in the global economy. 

“To sustain this healthy and dynamic growth, ASEAN needs to do three things,” Kristalina said at the Jakarta Mulia Hotel on Tuesday.

They are maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability, investing in education, and investing in international cooperation. She stressed that macroeconomic and financial stability is essential to gain the trust of consumers and investors.

She opined that this approach had helped ASEAN long before the pandemic and should be continued. She also advised Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani to strike a balance between helping the country's most vulnerable communities, providing incentives to the business sector, and cushioning against future shocks.

“Make sure that taxes are fully collected, eliminate tax evasion, and focus public spending on those with the greatest impact,” Kristalina remarked.

She also underlined the importance of investing in education and skills, encouraging ASEAN to invest in digital connectivity. One of them is investing in artificial intelligence (AI).

However, Kristalina said her most important message to ASEAN was to speak loudly and clearly about the need for international cooperation. According to her, ASEAN is well-placed to implement this strategy because of its unity in diversity.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI 

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