IMF spokesperson: Impact of U.S.-Iran conflict on fragile economies is concerning

International Monetary Fund spokesperson Julie Kozack said at a regular press conference on October 1 that the U.S.-Iran conflict has affected the world economy, not only impacting countries with limited policy buffers and net energy importers, but also those that have not yet integrated into the AI supply chain and are unable to fully enjoy the related growth dividends, which "deserve particular attention" and whose situation is concerning. Kozack noted that some countries have failed to benefit from the AI investment boom while also being severely affected by energy shocks, and have limited policy buffers. "This group of countries, most of which are low-income and fragile states, is the most concerning," she added, noting that some of them have already reached assistance arrangements with the IMF, and the IMF is maintaining close cooperation with them. In response to a question from a Xinhua News Agency reporter, Kozack said the IMF "very much welcomes" the positive consensus reached in consultations between the Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams. She stated that maintaining contact between the Chinese and U.S. economic and trade teams helps enhance the predictability of the global trade environment. The IMF will continue to closely monitor progress in this area. The 2026 Autumn Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from October 12 to 18. At that time, the IMF will release a new World Economic Outlook Report.