Press Release No. 20/61

Remarks by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva to G20 on Economic Impact of COVID-19

February 22, 2020

Today in Riyadh, Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), made the following statement at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting:

"In January, we　projected　global growth to strengthen from 2.9 percent　last year　to 3.3 percent this year.　Since then,　COVID-19—a global health emergency—has disrupted activity in China.　And let me say here that my deepest sympathies　go to the people in China and other affected countries.

"The Chinese authorities are working to mitigate the negative impact on the economy, with crisis measures, liquidity provision, fiscal measures, and financial support.　I have had an excellent discussion with　Governor Yi Gang　and　other senior officials and assured them of our support for these　policy　measures.

"While the impact of the　epidemic continues to unfold, the WHO’s assessment is that with strong and coordinated measures, the spread of the virus in China and globally can yet be contained and　the human tragedy arrested. We are still learning about how this complex virus spreads and the　uncertainties are too great to permit reliable forecasting.　Many　scenarios　can play out, depending on how quickly the virus is contained and how fast the　Chinese and other affected economies return to normal.

"In our　current baseline scenario,　announced policies are implemented　and　China’s　economy would return to normal in the second quarter. As a result,　the impact on the world economy would be relatively minor and short-lived.

"In this scenario, 2020 growth for China would be 5.6 percent. This is 0.4 percentage points lower than the January WEO Update.　Global growth would be about 0.1 percentage points lower.

"But we are also looking at　more dire scenarios　where the spread of the virus continues　for　longer and more globally, and the growth consequences　are　more protracted.

"Global cooperation is essential to the containment of the COVID-19 and its economic impact, particularly if the outbreak turns out to be more persistent and widespread. To be adequately prepared, now is the time to recognize the potential risk for fragile states and countries with weak health care systems.

"The IMF stands ready to　help,　including through our Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust　that can　provide grants for debt relief　to　our poorest and most vulnerable members."