IMF Middle East and Central Asia Department Deputy Director Subir Lall speaks during the Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and Central Asia press briefing at the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok on October 15, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP via Getty Images)