Group of 11 (G-11): What it Means and How It Works

What is the G-11?

The Group of 11 (G-11) is a coalition of lower-middle-income countries formed to reduce members’ debt burdens and redirect resources toward economic development. Established on September 20, 2006, the initiative was conceived by King Abdullah II of Jordan as a way for similarly situated economies to coordinate advocacy on debt relief, trade access, and investment.

Members

Current G-11 members:
* Croatia
* Ecuador
* El Salvador
* Georgia
* Honduras
* Indonesia
* Jordan
* Morocco
* Pakistan
* Paraguay
* Sri Lanka

Tunisia was originally part of the founding group but was replaced by El Salvador by 2007.

Objectives

The G-11’s stated aims include:
* Easing sovereign debt burdens so fiscal resources and export earnings can support development priorities.
* Promoting debt relief or debt conversion into development assistance and projects.
* Seeking improved market access, lower tariffs, and increased investment from developed countries, particularly through engagement with Group of Seven (G-7) members.
* Encouraging international donors and partners to support sustained economic growth as a pathway to broader stability and development.

How the G-11 Works

The G-11 functions primarily as a coalition for coordinated advocacy. Typical approaches include:
* Joint appeals to creditor countries and international financial institutions for debt relief measures or debt-to-development conversions.
* Diplomatic engagement with developed-country policymakers to reduce trade barriers and expand market access for member-country exports.
* Using summits, statements, and diplomatic channels to highlight the development constraints faced by lower-middle-income countries and to build partnerships with donors and investors.

History and Context

The group emerged from concerns that servicing external debt consumed a disproportionate share of export revenues and fiscal resources in lower-middle-income economies, limiting investment in public services and growth-enhancing projects. By uniting, members aim to increase leverage in international discussions on trade, aid, and debt policy.

Significance

The G-11 brings attention to the specific challenges of lower-middle-income countries that are often between the classifications of low-income aid recipients and higher-income economies. By coordinating positions, the group seeks to influence creditor practices and trade policies in ways that free up resources for domestic development.

Limitations

The G-11 is primarily an advocacy and coordination platform rather than a formal financial institution; its influence depends on diplomatic traction, the receptiveness of creditors and trading partners, and the economic diversity of its members.

Conclusion

The G-11 represents a collective effort by lower-middle-income countries to address the twin constraints of debt service and limited market access. Through coordinated diplomacy and appeals for targeted debt relief and trade concessions, the group seeks to unlock resources for development and improved living standards in its member states.