Back to Asia

IMF Blog, November 29, 2013

Source details

Canonical URL

Back to Asia

Other formats

• Markdown version
• Structured JSON version
• Bundle manifest

Bibliographic details

• Authors: Christine Lagarde
• Published: November 29, 2013

Asia's economic trajectory

• "In a couple of days, I will embark upon a trip to Asia."
• "It feels like moving forward in time."
• "Under current trends, developing Asia alone will account for half of global GDP by 2050."
• Back to Asia is characterized as "back to the future" because of the region's dynamism and intensity.

Country visits and priorities

• Visiting "three countries—Cambodia, Korea, and Myanmar" representing different chapters of the Asian story.

• Korea
  • Propelled "from very low income levels to one of the world’s richest economies in an astoundingly short period of time."
  • Reputation for "innovation, technological brilliance and hard work."
  • Policy priorities emphasized:
  • Make labor markets more inclusive—including for women.
  • Make the services sector more dynamic and productive.

• Cambodia
  • "Grown strongly in recent years, and is now a frontier economy, ready to take that next step to becoming a dynamic emerging market."
  • Policy priorities emphasized:
  • Continue investing in the future.
  • Ensure that all participate in the prosperity of Cambodia.
  • Ensure Cambodia participates fully in the prosperity of the region—including through ASEAN integration.

• Myanmar
  • "Still at an earlier stage of development" and "on the verge of a great awakening, a great opening to the world."
  • Strategic location "in the heart of Asia, at the intersection of India and China."
  • Priorities described as "threefold":
  • First, invest in the future—infrastructure, health, education.
  • Second, include all people in development—the poor, and women too.
  • Third, integrate further into the broader regional economy.

Engagement with people and women leaders

• Meetings planned with "students, civil society and women leaders."
• Attendance at the "Myanmar Women’s Forum in Yangon."
• Will attend alongside "Daw Aung San Suu Kyi."

IMF role and commitment

• IMF described as being "there to help for the long haul— to listen to them, to serve them, and partner with them as they reach out to take the inheritance that is rightfully theirs."
• Emphasis that the IMF hopes "they will see the IMF as a true and steadfast friend."

Closing sentiment

• Expectation to "leave Asia inspired and optimistic—and ready for my next visit!"

Christine Lagarde, November 29, 2013.