OECD Webinar on Sovereign Funding in Emerging Market Economies

Banner, Webinar on Sovereign funding in emerging market economies, September 2021

30 September 2021 Virtual event | 13:00-14:30 (CEST)

Globally, the COVID-19 crisis has markedly increased debt vulnerabilities as public debt levels reached record highs, with shorter maturities and larger refinancing needs (OECD Sovereign Borrowing Outlook, 2021). In particular, Emerging Market Economies (EMEs) with high debt levels have become more vulnerable to global risks that could trigger a sudden shift in market sentiment, which in turn could put pressure on sustaining market access and managing refinancing risk. A legacy of high debt burden left by the crisis may also limit room for fiscal stimulus during future recessions. While favorable global financial conditions have so far shielded EMEs, the path forward is uncertain.

Prospects for the world economy have brightened due to increased vaccinations and strong policy support. Yet, risks to economic recovery and financial stability remain elevated and unevenly distributed (OECD Economic Outlook, May 2021). A number of risk factors could put pressure on sovereign funding needs and conditions in EMEs including a weak economic recovery, slower distribution of vaccines, renewed waves of new variants. At the same time, a sustained and strong recovery in some advanced economies and rising inflation expectations, in particular in the US, may require adjustments in fiscal and monetary policies. The adjustment process may drive volatility in global bond markets, which in turn may cause sharp fluctuations in capital flows to EMEs. What do these scenarios mean for sovereign debt managers of EMEs in the near- and medium-term? What can be done to safeguard the interests of investors in a world flooded by debt?

Amid existing debt vulnerabilities and an uncertain economic outlook, this webinar will discuss the impact of the uneven recovery from the COVID-19 crisis on government bond markets in EMEs, as well as the challenges, priorities and opportunities for sovereign debt managers.

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Simultaneous interpretation will be provided in English and French at the meeting.

Invitees include participants to the Global Forum on Public Debt Management, delegates of the Working Party on Debt Management, officials from public debt offices and ministries of finance, treasuries and central banks.

This event is organised under the aegis of the OECD Working Party on Public Debt Management and sponsored by the Government of Japan.

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MEETING DOCUMENT

Agenda and Issues Note

Speakers' biographies

Presentation

REGISTRATION

Participation is by invitation only.

Enquiries should be addressed to:
PublicDebt@oecd.org

CONTACTS

Fatos.KOC@oecd.org
Head of Public Debt Management Unit, OECD

Caroline.LAM@oecd.org
Assistant, Public Debt Management Unit, OECD