The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) is proud to support Thailand in hosting the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, under the theme “Thailand’s New Horizons: Empowering People, Building Resilience.” This major global economic and financial forum promotes people-centred development and economic resilience, which closely align with BAAC’s vision of being a “Sustainable Rural Development Bank.” BAAC is committed to improving farmers’ quality of life, strengthening their financial resilience, and promoting inclusive growth.

              The meetings are scheduled to take place from 12–18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, bringing together more than 15,000 participants, including finance ministers, central bank governors, financial institution leaders and academics from 191 countries worldwide.

                Mr. Chatchai Sirilai, BAAC President, said that BAAC, as a specialised state financial institution, is proud to support Thailand in hosting this prestigious international event. The theme reflects a development approach that places people at the centre while strengthening the resilience of economic and financial systems to better withstand future risks.

                The meetings provide an important platform for exchanging views on global economic issues, sharing knowledge and financial innovations, and fostering international cooperation. These efforts are expected to contribute to economic growth, financial stability, poverty reduction and sustainable development, ultimately helping improve the quality of life of Thai people and promote the sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

                 Hosting the meetings will also enhance Thailand’s international profile, highlighting its economic and financial role in Southeast Asia and its capacity to host major global events. The occasion will showcase Thailand’s readiness in infrastructure, aviation, transportation, tourism, visitor services and event facilities. It will also provide an opportunity to present Thailand’s distinctive arts, culture, cuisine and diverse tourist attractions, helping stimulate the domestic economy and promote Thai soft power internationally.

                 As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Finance is supporting the presentation of “Essence Glam” a collection of enhanced community products developed with BAAC customer farmers. These products will be showcased at the meetings, allowing participants to explore and purchase locally made goods as souvenirs.

Featured products include:

* Traditional-pattern fabric bags from the Wat Yan Ang Thong (Chulalok) Community Enterprise, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

* Ready-to-eat Hom Mali jasmine rice under the “Aun Im” brand, available in seven varieties, from Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Limited for BAAC in Roi Et, Surin and Nakhon Pathom.

* Embroidered mud-dyed fabric bags from the Ban Na Ton Chan Mud-Dyed Fabric Community Enterprise, Sukhothai Province.

* Cotton shawls from the Lang Nature Tourism Community Enterprise (Sam Pa Pha), Trat Province.

* Water hyacinth bags from the Lin Chawa Basketry Group, Phayao Province.

* Thai checked-cloth elephant dolls from the Ratchaburi Women’s Development Group, Ratchaburi Province.

* Pandanus-leaf business card holders from the Ban Wang Hin Panan Handicraft Group, Krabi Province.

* Embroidered sedge bags from VARNI CRAFT, Phatthalung Province.

* Banana-sheath bags from Ban Tani Siam, Ratchaburi Province.

           To further expand market access for BAAC customers, the Bank has also brought together selected products from farmers and community enterprises nationwide on BAAC Matching, its online marketplace. The platform enables consumers to browse and purchase quality products directly from BAAC customer businesses anytime and anywhere. For more information and online purchases, please visit: https://baacmatching.baac.or.th