UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

 

Investment Company Act file number: 811-07694

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

John H. Gernon
522 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10036
(Name and address of agent for service)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 212-762-1886

 

Date of fiscal year end: December 31,

 

Date of reporting period: June 30, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1 - Report to Shareholders

 

 

 

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
Adviser

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets

Debt Fund, Inc.
NYSE: MSD

Semi-Annual Report

June 30, 2023


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Table of Contents

Letter to Stockholders

   

3

   

Performance Summary

   

5

   

Portfolio of Investments

   

6

   

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

   

17

   

Statement of Operations

   

18

   

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

   

19

   

Financial Highlights

   

20

   

Notes to Financial Statements

   

21

   

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval

   

35

   

Portfolio Management

   

38

   

Investment Policy

   

39

   
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan    

47

   
U.S. Customer Privacy Notice    

48

   

Directors and Officers Information

   

Back Cover

   


2


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Letter to Stockholders

Performance

For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") had total returns of 5.09%, based on net asset value, and 3.75% based on market value per share (including reinvestment of distributions), compared to its benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index (the "Index"), which returned 4.09%. On June 30, 2023, the closing price of the Fund's shares on the New York Stock Exchange was $6.44, representing a 14.59% discount to the Fund's net asset value per share. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Factors Affecting Performance

•  The first six months of 2023 produced positive performance across all emerging markets (EM) debt segments. Disinflationary trends across many economies around the world coupled with lower volatility helped boost performance across EM debt markets. The market narrative that EM central banks have run a more orthodox monetary policy than their developed market (DM) peers continued to play out. EM central banks appeared, in aggregate, to be well ahead of their DM peers in this cycle, and many were on hold with a bias toward easing policy. This played out notably in markets, too, as DM rates broadly sold off, while EM rates broadly rallied during the second quarter of 2023. China's economic recovery disappointed as it was shorter and shallower than expected. However, the contagion effects were quite limited, as EM debt markets broadly performed well and growth expectations remained quite favorable toward EM economies relative to DM economies during the period.

•  Emerging markets external sovereign and quasi-sovereign debt returned 4.09% in the six month period, as measured by the Index.

•  For the Fund, overweight positions in Sri Lanka, Suriname and Zambia, as well as an underweight in Ecuador, contributed to performance versus the Index. Conversely, overweight positions in Brazil, Egypt and Mexico, along with an underweight in China, detracted from Fund performance versus the Index performance.

•  Derivatives did not have a major impact on index-relative performance and were primarily used to adjust currency exposure in the select instances where the Fund took non-U.S. dollar exposure, as well as to adjust portfolio duration.

Management Strategies

•  While it is nearer to the end of its tightening cycle than the beginning, the terminal federal funds rate is uncertain as it balances inflation with softening pockets of the economy; EM markets will not be insulated from that uncertainty. A more orthodox monetary policy by many EM central banks has allowed them to end tightening cycles and, in some cases, begin easing. As of the close of the period, we believe valuations remained quite compelling across the EM debt universe and appeared to offer attractive compensation for investors. Commodity prices fell a bit further during the period, further easing pressure on importers, but were still high relative to the past decade and therefore also continued to support exporters.


3


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Letter to Stockholders (cont'd)

•  Politics and elections are crucial for EM investing and, as always, vary broadly across countries. Politics in Malaysia have made reforms more challenging than anticipated, while those in the Philippines have been more reform-oriented than expected. Meanwhile, politics in China and many countries across the Middle East have been relatively clear, but geopolitics are critical at this juncture. Growth, inflation and policy are quite divergent across the heterogeneous universe of countries we refer to collectively as "emerging markets."

Sincerely,

John H. Gernon
President and Principal Executive Officer  July 2023


4


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Performance Summary

Average Annual Total Returns as of June 30, 2023

   

6 Month*

 

One Year

 

Five Years

 

Ten Years

 

NAV

   

5.09

%

   

9.47

%

   

0.57

%

   

2.35

%

 

Market price

   

3.75

%

   

6.51

%

   

0.04

%

   

1.95

%

 

J.P. Morgan EMBI Global Diversified Index(1)

   

4.09

%

   

7.39

%

   

0.55

%

   

2.82

%

 

Emerging Markets Debt Blended Index(2)

   

4.09

%

   

7.39

%

   

0.37

%

   

2.38

%

 

* Cumulative return

Performance data quoted in the table represents past performance, which is no guarantee of future results, and current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown. Performance assumes that all dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. For the most recent month-end performance figures, please visit www.morganstanley.com/im/closedendfundsshareholderreports. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate so that Fund shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The table do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the sale of fund shares. Total return, market price, NAV, market price distribution rate, and NAV distribution rate will fluctuate with changes in market conditions. The Fund's total returns are based upon the market value and net asset value on the last business day of the period.

Distributions

 

Total Distributions per share for the period

 

$

0.345

   

Current Distribution Rate at NAV(3)

   

9.95

%

 

Current Distribution Rate at Market Price(3)

   

11.65

%

 

% Premium/(Discount) to NAV(4)

   

(14.59

)%

 

(1)  The J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified (EMBI Global Diversified) Index tracks total returns for U.S. dollar-denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities: Brady Bonds, loans, Eurobonds and local market instruments for emerging market countries but limits the weights of countries with larger debt stocks by only including a specified portion of these countries' eligible current face amounts of debt outstanding. The performance of the Index is calculated in U.S. dollars and assumes reinvestment of net dividends. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

(2)  The Emerging Markets Debt Blended Index is a performance linked benchmark of the old and new benchmark of the Fund. The old benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Index (benchmark that tracks total returns for U.S. dollar denominated debt instruments issued by emerging markets sovereign and quasi-sovereign entities) from the Fund's inception to December 31, 2019 and the new benchmark represented by J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Global Diversified Index for periods thereafter. The Index is unmanaged and its returns do not include any sales charges or fees. Such costs would lower performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

(3)  The Distribution Rate is based on the Fund's last regular distribution per share in the period (annualized) divided by the Fund's NAV or market price at the end of the period. The Fund's distributions may be comprised of amounts characterized for federal income tax purposes as qualified and non-qualified ordinary dividends, capital gains and non-dividend distributions, also known as return of capital. The Fund will determine the federal income tax character of distributions paid to a shareholder after the end of the calendar year. The Fund's distributions are determined by the investment adviser based on its current assessment of the Fund's long-term return potential. Fund distributions may be affected by numerous factors including changes in Fund performance, the cost of financing for leverage, portfolio holdings, realized and projected returns, and other factors. As portfolio and market conditions change, the rate of distributions paid by the Fund could change.

(4)  The shares of the Fund often trade at a discount or premium to their net asset value. The discount or premium may vary over time and may be higher or lower than what is quoted in this report.


5


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

FIXED INCOME SECURITIES (97.0%)

 

Albania (1.8%)

 

Sovereign (1.8%)

 
Albania Government
International Bond,
3.50%, 10/9/25
 

EUR

324

   

$

339

   

5.90%, 6/9/28

   

2,282

     

2,441

   
         

2,780

   

Angola (0.7%)

 

Sovereign (0.7%)

 
Angolan Government
International Bond,
8.75%, 4/14/32
 

$

1,244

     

1,050

   

Argentina (2.7%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.5%)

 
Provincia de Cordoba,
6.88%, 12/10/25 (a)
   

1,077

     

813

   

Sovereign (2.2%)

 
Argentina Bonar Bonds,
0.50%, 7/9/30 (a)
   

3,800

     

1,055

   
Argentine Republic Government
International Bond,
1.00%, 7/9/29
   

2,550

     

832

   

3.50%, 7/9/41 (a)

   

1,720

     

555

   

3.88%, 1/9/38 (a)

   

1,487

     

528

   
Province of Salta Argentina,
8.50%, 12/1/27 (a)
   

144

     

111

   
Provincia del Chubut Argentina,
7.75%, 7/26/30 (a)
   

262

     

214

   
         

3,295

   
         

4,108

   

Armenia (0.2%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.2%)

 
Ardshinbank CJSC Via Dilijan
Finance BV,
6.50%, 1/28/25
   

300

     

294

   

Azerbaijan (0.5%)

 

Sovereign (0.5%)

 
Republic of Azerbaijan
International Bond,
3.50%, 9/1/32
   

808

     

693

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Bahrain (1.7%)

 

Sovereign (1.7%)

 
Bahrain Government
International Bond,
5.45%, 9/16/32
 

$

1,720

   

$

1,538

   

5.63%, 5/18/34

   

1,000

     

873

   

7.50%, 9/20/47

   

200

     

183

   
         

2,594

   

Barbados (1.4%)

 

Sovereign (1.4%)

 
Barbados Government
International Bond,
6.50%, 10/1/29
   

2,210

     

2,086

   

Benin (2.4%)

 

Sovereign (2.4%)

 
Benin Government
International Bond,
4.88%, 1/19/32
 

EUR

400

     

333

   

4.95%, 1/22/35

   

2,345

     

1,815

   

6.88%, 1/19/52

   

1,969

     

1,526

   
         

3,674

   

Bolivia (0.1%)

 

Sovereign (0.1%)

 
Bolivian Government
International Bond,
5.95%, 8/22/23
 

$

207

     

197

   

Brazil (3.0%)

 

Corporate Bonds (3.0%)

 
Coruripe Netherlands BV,
10.00%, 2/10/27
   

1,450

     

923

   
Guara Norte Sarl,
5.20%, 6/15/34
   

884

     

775

   
Hidrovias International
Finance Sarl,
4.95%, 2/8/31
   

1,000

     

802

   
MC Brazil Downstream
Trading Sarl,
7.25%, 6/30/31
   

957

     

647

   
MV24 Capital BV,
6.75%, 6/1/34
   

846

     

765

   
Natura & Co. Luxembourg
Holdings Sarl,
6.00%, 4/19/29 (b)
   

500

     

464

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


6


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Brazil (cont'd)

 

Corporate Bonds (cont'd)

 
Natura Cosmeticos SA,
4.13%, 5/3/28
 

$

290

   

$

251

   
         

4,627

   

Burkina Faso (0.7%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.7%)

 
Endeavour Mining PLC,
5.00%, 10/14/26
   

1,280

     

1,139

   

Cayman Islands (0.6%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.6%)

 
ABRA Global Finance,
11.50%, 3/2/28 (b)(c)
   

1,069

     

872

   

Chile (2.4%)

 

Corporate Bonds (1.4%)

 
AES Andes SA,
7.13%, 3/26/79 (d)
   

459

     

425

   
Inversiones CMPC SA,
6.13%, 6/23/33 (b)
   

200

     

202

   
Latam Airlines Group SA,
13.38%, 10/15/27 (b)
   

360

     

390

   
Liberty Latin America Ltd.,
2.00%, 7/15/24
   

451

     

429

   
VTR Comunicaciones SpA,
4.38%, 4/15/29
   

622

     

318

   

5.13%, 1/15/28

   

585

     

305

   
         

2,069

   

Sovereign (1.0%)

 
Chile Government
International Bond,
2.45%, 1/31/31
   

800

     

691

   

2.55%, 7/27/33

   

300

     

246

   

3.50%, 1/25/50

   

800

     

603

   
         

1,540

   
         

3,609

   

China (0.9%)

 

Corporate Bonds (0.9%)

 
KWG Group Holdings Ltd.,
7.88%, 8/30/24 (e)(f)
   

654

     

71

   
Meituan,
0.00%, 4/27/27
   

900

     

789

   
Shimao Group Holdings Ltd.,
5.60%, 7/15/26 (e)(f)
   

2,596

     

216

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 
Sunac China Holdings Ltd.,
8.35%, 4/19/23 (e)(f)
 

$

1,080

   

$

160

   
Times China Holdings Ltd.,
5.55%, 6/4/24 (e)(f)
   

480

     

34

   

6.75%, 7/16/23

   

410

     

99

   
         

1,369

   

Colombia (0.9%)

 

Corporate Bonds (0.9%)

 
Aris Mining Corp.,
6.88%, 8/9/26
   

1,150

     

846

   
Canacol Energy Ltd.,
5.75%, 11/24/28
   

627

     

537

   
         

1,383

   

Costa Rica (0.4%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.4%)

 
Liberty Costa Rica Senior
Secured Finance,
10.88%, 1/15/31 (b)
   

630

     

624

   

Dominican Republic (1.7%)

 

Sovereign (1.7%)

 
Dominican Republic
International Bond,
4.88%, 9/23/32
   

500

     

427

   

5.88%, 1/30/60

   

800

     

622

   

6.85%, 1/27/45 (b)

   

900

     

819

   

7.45%, 4/30/44 (b)

   

800

     

786

   
         

2,654

   

Ecuador (0.6%)

 

Sovereign (0.6%)

 
Ecuador Government
International Bond,
1.50%, 7/31/40 (a)
   

522

     

164

   

2.50%, 7/31/35 (a)(b)

   

500

     

175

   

2.50%, 7/31/35 (a)

   

550

     

192

   

5.50%, 7/31/30 (a)

   

268

     

130

   

5.50%, 7/31/30 (a)(b)

   

600

     

291

   
         

952

   

Egypt (1.2%)

 

Sovereign (1.2%)

 
Egypt Government
International Bond,
4.75%, 4/16/26
 

EUR

480

     

370

   

5.75%, 5/29/24

 

$

400

     

363

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


7


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Egypt (cont'd)

 

Sovereign (cont'd)

 

6.38%, 4/11/31 (b)

 

EUR

800

   

$

486

   

6.88%, 4/30/40

 

$

121

     

66

   

7.90%, 2/21/48 (b)

   

490

     

253

   

8.88%, 5/29/50

   

390

     

211

   
         

1,749

   

El Salvador (0.8%)

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 
El Salvador Government
International Bond,
5.88%, 1/30/25
   

272

     

242

   

6.38%, 1/18/27

   

1,360

     

955

   
         

1,197

   

Ethiopia (1.0%)

 

Sovereign (1.0%)

 
Ethiopia International Bond,
6.63%, 12/11/24
   

2,230

     

1,547

   

Gabon (0.2%)

 

Sovereign (0.2%)

 
Gabon Government
International Bond,
6.95%, 6/16/25 (b)
   

400

     

377

   

Georgia (0.3%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.3%)

 
TBC Bank JSC,
10.78%, 10/3/24 (d)(g)
   

540

     

526

   

Ghana (1.7%)

 

Corporate Bonds (0.7%)

 
Puma International Financing SA,
5.13%, 10/6/24
   

487

     

481

   
Tullow Oil PLC,
10.25%, 5/15/26
   

856

     

651

   
         

1,132

   

Sovereign (1.0%)

 
Ghana Government
International Bond,
6.38%, 2/11/27
   

360

     

156

   

7.75%, 4/7/29 (e)(f)

   

205

     

88

   

8.63%, 4/7/34

   

649

     

280

   

8.63%, 6/16/49 (e)(f)

   

1,800

     

746

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

8.75%, 3/11/61 (e)(f)

 

$

200

   

$

84

   

8.88%, 5/7/42 (e)(f)

   

232

     

96

   
         

1,450

   
         

2,582

   

Guatemala (0.5%)

 

Sovereign (0.5%)

 
Guatemala Government Bond,
3.70%, 10/7/33
   

200

     

162

   

4.65%, 10/7/41 (b)

   

400

     

321

   

6.13%, 6/1/50 (b)

   

380

     

350

   
         

833

   

Honduras (0.9%)

 

Sovereign (0.9%)

 
Honduras Government
International Bond,
5.63%, 6/24/30
   

319

     

259

   

6.25%, 1/19/27

   

1,259

     

1,149

   
         

1,408

   

Hungary (1.5%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.5%)

 
OTP Bank Nyrt,
8.75%, 5/15/33 (d)
   

810

     

814

   

Sovereign (1.0%)

 
Hungary Government
International Bond,
6.25%, 9/22/32 (b)
   

1,500

     

1,541

   
         

2,355

   

India (2.0%)

 

Corporate Bonds (1.5%)

 
Indiabulls Housing Finance Ltd.,
4.50%, 9/28/26
   

567

     

453

   
JSW Steel Ltd.,
5.05%, 4/5/32
   

1,340

     

1,084

   
Vedanta Resources Finance II PLC,
13.88%, 1/21/24
   

800

     

731

   
         

2,268

   

Sovereign (0.5%)

 
Export-Import Bank of India,
5.50%, 1/18/33 (b)
   

790

     

787

   
         

3,055

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


8


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Indonesia (2.8%)

 

Corporate Bond (1.0%)

 
Minejesa Capital BV,
4.63%, 8/10/30
 

$

1,706

   

$

1,536

   

Sovereign (1.8%)

 
Indonesia Government
International Bond,
4.65%, 9/20/32
   

2,000

     

1,963

   

5.13%, 1/15/45 (b)

   

800

     

797

   
         

2,760

   
         

4,296

   

Iraq (1.5%)

 

Sovereign (1.5%)

 
Iraq International Bond,
5.80%, 1/15/28
   

2,460

     

2,267

   

Ireland (0.5%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.5%)

 
C&W Senior Financing DAC,
6.88%, 9/15/27
   

936

     

817

   

Ivory Coast (0.8%)

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 
Ivory Coast Government
International Bond,
4.88%, 1/30/32
 

EUR

700

     

597

   

6.63%, 3/22/48

   

509

     

395

   

6.88%, 10/17/40

   

219

     

182

   
         

1,174

   

Jamaica (0.8%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.8%)

 
Digicel International Finance
Ltd./Digicel international
Holdings Ltd.,
8.75%, 5/25/24
 

$

1,300

     

1,193

   

Jordan (0.7%)

 

Sovereign (0.7%)

 
Jordan Government
International Bond,
7.38%, 10/10/47 (b)
   

950

     

821

   

7.75%, 1/15/28

   

292

     

298

   
         

1,119

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Kazakhstan (0.8%)

 

Sovereign (0.8%)

 
Kazakhstan Government
International Bond,
6.50%, 7/21/45
 

$

1,100

   

$

1,164

   

Kenya (2.5%)

 

Sovereign (2.5%)

 
Kenya Government
International Bond,
7.25%, 2/28/28
   

1,224

     

1,065

   

8.00%, 5/22/32 (b)

   

370

     

313

   
Republic of Kenya Government
International Bond,
6.30%, 1/23/34
   

423

     

320

   

7.00%, 5/22/27

   

413

     

373

   

8.00%, 5/22/32

   

2,130

     

1,805

   
         

3,876

   

Kuwait (0.5%)

 

Sovereign (0.5%)

 
Kuwait International
Government Bond,
3.50%, 3/20/27
   

720

     

697

   

Lebanon (0.2%)

 

Sovereign (0.2%)

 
Lebanon Government
International Bond,
6.85%, 3/23/27 - 5/25/29 (e)(f)
   

3,490

     

237

   

Luxembourg (0.9%)

 

Corporate Bonds (0.9%)

 
Cosan Luxembourg SA,
7.50%, 6/27/30 (b)
   

616

     

610

   
Natura & Co. Luxembourg
Holdings Sarl,
6.00%, 4/19/29
   

888

     

824

   
         

1,434

   

Macedonia (2.7%)

 

Sovereign (2.7%)

 
North Macedonia Government
International Bond,
1.63%, 3/10/28
 

EUR

2,055

     

1,822

   

6.96%, 3/13/27

   

2,092

     

2,335

   
         

4,157

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


9


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Mexico (9.7%)

 

Corporate Bonds (5.2%)

 
Banco Mercantil del Norte SA,
8.38%, 10/14/30 (d)(g)
 

$

254

   

$

237

   
BBVA Bancomer SA,
5.13%, 1/18/33
   

474

     

412

   
5 Year CMT + 4.66%, 8.45%,
6/29/38 (b)(d)
   

423

     

424

   
Braskem Idesa SAPI,
6.99%, 2/20/32
   

660

     

428

   

7.45%, 11/15/29

   

562

     

378

   
Cemex SAB de CV,
5.13%, 6/8/26 (d)(g)
   

883

     

787

   

9.13%, 3/14/28 (b)(d)(g)

   

710

     

720

   
Petroleos Mexicanos,
5.35%, 2/12/28
   

950

     

783

   

6.50%, 3/13/27 - 1/23/29

   

1,810

     

1,556

   

6.88%, 8/4/26

   

898

     

839

   
Total Play Telecomunicaciones
SA de CV,
7.50%, 11/12/25
   

1,975

     

1,404

   
         

7,968

   

Sovereign (4.5%)

 
Mexico Government
International Bond,
5.00%, 4/27/51
   

549

     

477

   
Petroleos Mexicanos,
4.25%, 1/15/25
   

490

     

464

   

5.95%, 1/28/31

   

1,200

     

878

   

6.35%, 2/12/48

   

1,575

     

954

   

6.70%, 2/16/32

   

2,032

     

1,547

   

6.88%, 10/16/25

   

460

     

442

   

6.95%, 1/28/60

   

500

     

312

   

7.69%, 1/23/50

   

1,800

     

1,222

   

10.00%, 2/7/33 (b)

   

587

     

538

   
         

6,834

   
         

14,802

   

Moldova (0.3%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.3%)

 
Aragvi Finance International DAC,
8.45%, 4/29/26
   

660

     

449

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Mongolia (0.2%)

 

Sovereign (0.2%)

 
Mongolia Government
International Bond,
5.13%, 4/7/26 (b)
 

$

310

   

$

289

   

Morocco (0.4%)

 

Sovereign (0.4%)

 
Morocco Government
International Bond,
4.00%, 12/15/50 (b)
   

820

     

553

   

Mozambique (0.1%)

 

Sovereign (0.1%)

 
Mozambique International Bond,
5.00%, 9/15/31 (a)
   

221

     

168

   

Netherlands (0.4%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.4%)

 
Petrobras Global Finance BV,
6.50%, 7/3/33
   

623

     

611

   

Nigeria (1.7%)

 

Corporate Bonds (1.0%)

 
IHS Netherlands Holdco BV,
8.00%, 9/18/27 (b)
   

1,100

     

1,005

   
SEPLAT Energy PLC,
7.75%, 4/1/26
   

624

     

526

   
         

1,531

   

Sovereign (0.7%)

 
Nigeria Government
International Bond,
6.38%, 7/12/23
   

530

     

529

   

6.50%, 11/28/27 (b)

   

620

     

542

   
         

1,071

   
         

2,602

   

Oman (2.0%)

 

Sovereign (2.0%)

 
Oman Government
International Bond,
6.25%, 1/25/31 (b)
   

1,000

     

1,017

   

6.25%, 1/25/31

   

1,530

     

1,555

   

6.75%, 1/17/48

   

500

     

482

   
         

3,054

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


10


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Pakistan (0.5%)

 

Sovereign (0.5%)

 
Pakistan Government
International Bond,
7.38%, 4/8/31
 

$

325

   

$

150

   

8.88%, 4/8/51

   

600

     

268

   
Pakistan Government
International Bonds,
8.25%, 9/30/25
   

600

     

327

   
         

745

   

Panama (1.5%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.5%)

 
Multibank, Inc.,
7.75%, 2/3/28 (b)
   

756

     

765

   

Sovereign (1.0%)

 
Panama Government
International Bond,
2.25%, 9/29/32
   

1,080

     

828

   

3.87%, 7/23/60

   

550

     

366

   

4.50%, 4/1/56

   

410

     

309

   
         

1,503

   
         

2,268

   

Paraguay (1.5%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.6%)

 
Frigorifico Concepcion SA,
7.70%, 7/21/28
   

1,152

     

899

   

Sovereign (0.9%)

 
Paraguay Government
International Bond,
3.85%, 6/28/33
   

300

     

261

   

5.40%, 3/30/50

   

564

     

483

   

5.40%, 3/30/50 (b)

   

700

     

600

   
         

1,344

   
         

2,243

   

Peru (1.8%)

 

Corporate Bonds (1.5%)

 
Auna SAA,
6.50%, 11/20/25
   

1,840

     

1,520

   
Peru LNG Srl,
5.38%, 3/22/30
   

998

     

804

   
         

2,324

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Sovereign (0.3%)

 
Peruvian Government
International Bond,
3.55%, 3/10/51
 

$

200

   

$

151

   

6.55%, 3/14/37

   

300

     

337

   
         

488

   
         

2,812

   

Romania (5.4%)

 

Sovereign (5.4%)

 
Romanian Government
International Bond,
1.75%, 7/13/30 (b)
 

EUR

420

     

350

   

1.75%, 7/13/30

   

2,371

     

1,978

   

2.00%, 1/28/32 - 4/14/33

   

499

     

387

   

2.12%, 7/16/31

   

681

     

565

   

2.13%, 3/7/28

   

632

     

600

   

3.62%, 5/26/30

   

28

     

27

   

3.75%, 2/7/34

   

169

     

150

   

3.75%, 2/7/34 (b)

   

830

     

734

   

4.00%, 2/14/51

 

$

1,100

     

788

   

5.00%, 9/27/26

 

EUR

208

     

228

   

6.13%, 1/22/44

 

$

800

     

773

   

6.63%, 9/27/29

 

EUR

1,395

     

1,583

   
         

8,163

   

Senegal (0.2%)

 

Sovereign (0.2%)

 
Senegal Government
International Bond,
6.25%, 5/23/33
 

$

400

   

$

336

   

Serbia (1.7%)

 

Sovereign (1.7%)

 
Serbia International Bond,
1.50%, 6/26/29
 

EUR

1,240

     

1,049

   

2.05%, 9/23/36

   

432

     

290

   

2.13%, 12/1/30 (b)

 

$

400

     

308

   

2.13%, 12/1/30

   

1,000

     

771

   

6.50%, 9/26/33

   

200

     

197

   
         

2,615

   

Singapore (0.1%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.1%)

 
APL Realty Holdings Pte. Ltd.,
5.95%, 6/2/24
   

400

     

202

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


11


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

South Africa (0.9%)

 

Corporate Bonds (0.9%)

 
Petra Diamonds U.S.
Treasury PLC,
10.03%, 3/8/26 (c)
 

$

336

   

$

315

   
Sasol Financing USA LLC,
5.50%, 3/18/31
   

1,270

     

1,001

   
         

1,316

   

Sri Lanka (3.3%)

 

Sovereign (3.3%)

 
Sri Lanka Government
International Bond,
5.75%, 4/18/23
   

320

     

146

   

6.20%, 5/11/27 (e)(f)

   

2,850

     

1,312

   

6.35%, 6/28/24 (e)(f)

   

200

     

92

   

6.75%, 4/18/28 (e)(f)

   

400

     

184

   

6.83%, 7/18/26 (e)(f)

   

400

     

190

   

6.85%, 3/14/24 - 11/3/25 (e)(f)

   

2,770

     

1,317

   

7.55%, 3/28/30 (e)(f)

   

2,806

     

1,292

   

7.85%, 3/14/29 (e)(f)

   

1,000

     

460

   
         

4,993

   

Suriname (4.0%)

 

Sovereign (4.0%)

 
Suriname Government
International Bond,
9.25%, 10/26/26 (e)(f)
   

6,515

     

5,538

   

12.88%, 12/30/23 (a)(b)(e)(f)

   

181

     

154

   

12.88%, 12/30/23 (a)

   

381

     

324

   
         

6,016

   

Tanzania, United Republic Of (0.6%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.6%)

 
HTA Group Ltd.,
7.00%, 12/18/25
   

900

     

854

   

Turkey (2.9%)

 

Corporate Bonds (1.3%)

 
Limak Iskenderun Uluslararasi
Liman Isletmeciligi AS,
9.50%, 7/10/36
   

1,135

     

999

   
Ulker Biskuvi Sanayi AS,
6.95%, 10/30/25
   

1,080

     

974

   
         

1,973

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Sovereign (1.6%)

 
Turkey Government
International Bond,
5.75%, 5/11/47
 

$

830

   

$

569

   

6.13%, 10/24/28

   

1,165

     

1,044

   

9.38%, 1/19/33

   

790

     

794

   
         

2,407

   
         

4,380

   

Ukraine (0.7%)

 

Sovereign (0.7%)

 
Ukraine Government
International Bond,
6.88%, 5/21/31 (e)(f)
   

1,500

     

347

   

7.75%, 9/1/24 - 9/1/28

   

861

     

217

   

7.75%, 9/1/25 (e)(f)

   

465

     

118

   

7.75%, 8/1/41 (d)(e)(f)

   

961

     

380

   
         

1,062

   

United Arab Emirates (4.2%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.4%)

 
Shelf Drilling Holdings Ltd.,
8.88%, 11/15/24
   

502

     

502

   

Sovereign (3.8%)

 
Finance Department
Government of Sharjah,
4.00%, 7/28/50
   

2,562

     

1,646

   

4.38%, 3/10/51

   

2,923

     

2,008

   

6.50%, 11/23/32 (b)

   

2,100

     

2,172

   
         

5,826

   
         

6,328

   

United States (0.8%)

 

Corporate Bonds (0.8%)

 
Kosmos Energy Ltd.,
7.50%, 3/1/28
   

413

     

344

   

7.75%, 5/1/27

   

315

     

270

   
Sasol Financing USA LLC,
8.75%, 5/3/29
   

357

     

348

   
SierraCol Energy Andina LLC,
6.00%, 6/15/28
   

410

     

302

   
         

1,264

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


12


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

    Face
Amount
(000)
 
Value
(000)
 

Uzbekistan (1.5%)

 

Corporate Bonds (0.3%)

 
Ipoteka-Bank ATIB,
5.50%, 11/19/25
 

$

230

   

$

213

   
Uzbek Industrial and
Construction Bank ATB,
5.75%, 12/2/24
   

249

     

237

   
         

450

   

Sovereign (1.2%)

 
Republic of Uzbekistan
International Bond,
3.70%, 11/25/30 (b)
   

301

     

244

   

3.90%, 10/19/31

   

1,000

     

806

   

5.38%, 2/20/29

   

900

     

826

   
         

1,876

   
         

2,326

   

Venezuela (0.3%)

 

Sovereign (0.3%)

 
Petroleos de Venezuela SA,
6.00%, 11/15/26 (e)(f)
   

11,600

     

403

   

Vietnam (1.8%)

 

Corporate Bond (0.6%)

 
Mong Duong Finance
Holdings BV,
5.13%, 5/7/29
   

957

     

844

   

Sovereign (1.2%)

 
Vietnam Government
International Bond,
4.80%, 11/19/24
   

1,900

     

1,870

   
         

2,714

   

Zambia (1.0%)

 

Sovereign (1.0%)

 
Zambia Government
International Bond,
5.38%, 9/20/22 (e)(f)
   

649

     

342

   

8.50%, 4/14/24 (e)(f)

   

587

     

343

   

8.97%, 7/30/27 (e)(f)

   

1,328

     

768

   
         

1,453

   
TOTAL FIXED INCOME SECURITIES (Cost $168,536)        

147,786

   
    No. of
Warrants
 
Value
(000)
 

WARRANTS (0.0%) ‡

 

Venezuela (0.0%) ‡

 
Venezuela Government
International Bond,
Oil-Linked Payment
Obligation, expires
4/15/20 (h)(i) (Cost $—)
   

5,450

   

$

28

   
   

Shares

     

SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (2.8%)

 

Investment Company (2.7%)

 
Morgan Stanley Institutional
Liquidity Funds — Treasury
Securities Portfolio —
Institutional Class (See Note E)
(Cost $4,107)
   

4,107,026

     

4,107

   
    Face
Amount
(000)
     

United States (0.1%)

 

U.S. Treasury Security (0.1%)

 
U.S. Treasury Bill,
4.47%, 11/30/23 (j)
(Cost $172)
 

$

175

     

171

   
TOTAL SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS (Cost $4,279)        

4,278

   
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (99.8%) (Cost $172,815) (k)(l)        

152,092

   

OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES (0.2%)

       

282

   

NET ASSETS (100.0%)

     

$

152,374

   

Country assignments and aggregations are based generally on third party vendor classifications and information, and may be different from the assignments and aggregations under the policies set forth in the Fund's prospectus and/or statement of additional information relating to geographic classifications.

‡  Amount is less than 0.05%.

(a)  Multi-step — Coupon rate changes in predetermined increments to maturity. Rate disclosed is as of June 30, 2023. Maturity date disclosed is the ultimate maturity date.

(b)  144A security — Certain conditions for public sale may exist. Unless otherwise noted, these securities are deemed to be liquid.

(c)  Income may be paid in additional securities and/or cash at the discretion of the issuer.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


13


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

(d)  Floating or variable rate securities: The rates disclosed are as of June 30, 2023. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the reference rate and spread are indicated in the description in the Portfolio of Investments. Certain variable rate securities may not be based on a published reference rate and spread but are determined by the issuer or agent and are based on current market conditions. These securities do not indicate a reference rate and spread in their description in the Portfolio of Investments.

(e)  Issuer in bankruptcy.

(f)  Non-income producing security; bond in default.

(g)  Perpetual — One or more securities do not have a predetermined maturity date. Rates for these securities are fixed for a period of time after which they revert to a floating rate. Interest rates in effect are as of June 30, 2023.

(h)  Perpetual maturity date. Date disclosed is the last expiration date.

(i)  Non-income producing security.

(j)  Rate shown is the yield to maturity at June 30, 2023.

(k)  Securities are available for collateral in connection with foreign currency forward exchange contracts, futures contracts and swap agreements.

(l)  At June 30, 2023, the aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates the aggregate cost for book purposes. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is approximately $3,919,000 and the aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is approximately $24,894,000, resulting in net unrealized depreciation of approximately $20,975,000.

DAC  Designated Activity Company.

CMT  Constant Maturity Treasury Note Rate.

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:

The Fund had the following foreign currency forward exchange contracts open at June 30, 2023:

Counterparty

  Contracts
to
Deliver
(000)
  In
Exchange
For
(000)
  Delivery
Date
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
(000)
 

Citibank NA

 

EUR

21

   

$

23

   

7/7/23

 

$

(—

@)

 

Citibank NA

 

EUR

109

   

$

118

   

7/7/23

   

(1

)

 

Citibank NA

 

EUR

134

   

$

147

   

7/7/23

   

@

 

Citibank NA

 

EUR

73

   

$

79

   

7/7/23

   

@

 

Citibank NA

 

EUR

335

   

$

367

   

7/7/23

   

2

   

Citibank NA

 

EUR

145

   

$

158

   

7/7/23

   

@

 

Goldman Sachs International

 

EUR

78

   

$

85

   

7/7/23

   

(—

@)

 

HSBC Bank PLC

 

EUR

2,260

   

$

2,423

   

7/7/23

   

(44

)

 

HSBC Bank PLC

 

EUR

54

   

$

59

   

7/7/23

   

(—

)

 

HSBC Bank PLC

 

EUR

517

   

$

559

   

7/7/23

   

(5

)

 

HSBC Bank PLC

 

EUR

248

   

$

272

   

7/7/23

   

1

   

HSBC Bank PLC

 

EUR

20

   

$

21

   

7/7/23

   

@

 

HSBC Bank PLC

 

$

973

   

EUR

900

   

7/7/23

   

9

   

UBS AG

 

EUR

1,949

   

$

2,084

   

7/7/23

   

(43

)

 

UBS AG

 

EUR

96

   

$

103

   

7/7/23

   

(2

)

 

UBS AG

 

EUR

3,937

   

$

4,210

   

7/7/23

   

(86

)

 

UBS AG

 

EUR

1,517

   

$

1,622

   

7/7/23

   

(33

)

 

UBS AG

 

EUR

8,910

   

$

9,528

   

7/7/23

   

(196

)

 
               

$

(398

)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


14


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

Futures Contracts:

The Fund had the following futures contracts open at June 30, 2023:

    Number
of
Contracts
  Expiration
Date
  Notional
Amount
(000)
  Value
(000)
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
(000)
 

Long:

 

U.S. Treasury 5 yr. Note (United States)

   

17

   

Sep-23

 

$

1,700

   

$

1,821

   

$

(18

)

 

U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Note (United States)

   

11

   

Sep-23

   

1,100

     

1,235

     

(16

)

 

U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Ultra Note (United States)

   

155

   

Sep-23

   

15,500

     

18,358

     

(182

)

 

U.S. Treasury Long Bond (United States)

   

28

   

Sep-23

   

2,800

     

3,553

     

1

   

U.S. Treasury Ultra Long Bond (United States)

   

127

   

Sep-23

   

12,700

     

17,300

     

187

   

Short:

 

Euro-Buxl 30 yr. Bond (Germany)

   

6

   

Sep-23

 

EUR

(600

)

   

(914

)

   

(24

)

 

German Euro-Bobl Index (Germany)

   

57

   

Sep-23

   

(5,700

)

   

(7,197

)

   

72

   

German Euro-Bund Index (Germany)

   

54

   

Sep-23

   

(5,400

)

   

(7,881

)

   

34

   

U.S. Treasury 2 yr. Note (United States)

   

8

   

Sep-23

 

$

(1,600

)

   

(1,627

)

   

21

   

U.S. Treasury 5 yr. Note (United States)

   

29

   

Sep-23

   

(2,900

)

   

(3,106

)

   

21

   

U.S. Treasury 10 yr. Note (United States)

   

24

   

Sep-23

   

(2,400

)

   

(2,694

)

   

25

   
                       

$

121

   

Credit Default Swap Agreement:

The Fund had the following credit default swap agreement open at June 30, 2023:

Swap Counterparty and
Reference Obligation
  Credit
Rating of
Reference
Obligation
  Buy/Sell
Protection
  Pay/Received
Fixed Rate
  Payment
Frequency
  Maturity
Date
  Notional
Amount
(000)
  Value
(000)
  Upfront
Payment
Paid
(Received)
(000)
  Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
(000)
 
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC*
Mexico Government
International Bonds
 

NR

 

Buy

   

1.0

%

 

Quarterly

 

6/20/28

 

$

3,414

   

$

3

   

$

64

   

$

(63

)

 
Goldman Sachs
International Vietnam
Government International
Bonds
 

NR

 

Sell

   

1.0

   

Quarterly

 

6/20/28

   

9,099

     

(59

)

   

(144

)

   

88

   
                           

$

(56

)

 

$

(80

)

 

$

25

   

@  Value is less than $500.

*  Cleared swap agreement, the broker is Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.

EUR —  Euro

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


15


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio of Investments (cont'd)

(Showing Percentage of Total Value of Investments)

Portfolio Composition

Classification

  Percentage of
Total Investments
 

Sovereign

   

67.7

%

 

Corporate Bonds

   

29.5

   

Other*

   

2.8

   

Total Investments

   

100.0

%**

 

*  Industries and/or investment types representing less than 5% of total investments.

**  Does not include open long/short futures contracts with a value of approximately $65,686 and net unrealized appreciation of approximately $121,000. Does not include open foreign currency forward exchange contracts with net unrealized depreciation of approximately $398,000. Also does not include an open swap agreement with total unrealized appreciation of approximately $25,000.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


16


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Financial Statements

Statement of Assets and Liabilities

  June 30, 2023
(000)
 

Assets:

 

Investments in Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers, at Value (Cost $168,708)

 

$

147,985

   

Investment in Security of Affiliated Issuer, at Value (Cost $4,107)

   

4,107

   

Total Investments in Securities, at Value (Cost $172,815)

   

152,092

   

Foreign Currency, at Value (Cost $77)

   

91

   

Interest Receivable

   

3,815

   

Receivable for Variation Margin on Futures Contracts

   

2,712

   

Receivable for Investments Sold

   

1,139

   

Unrealized Appreciation on Swap Agreements

   

88

   

Due from Broker

   

56

   

Receivable from Affiliate

   

14

   

Unrealized Appreciation on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

   

12

   

Other Assets

   

82

   

Total Assets

   

160,101

   

Liabilities:

 

Dividends Declared

   

3,789

   

Payable for Investments Purchased

   

1,803

   

Bank Overdraft

   

803

   

Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax

   

544

   

Unrealized Depreciation on Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

   

410

   

Upfront Payment Received on Open Swap Agreements

   

144

   

Payable for Advisory Fees

   

125

   

Payable for Variation Margin on Swap Agreements

   

60

   

Payable for Professional Fees

   

12

   

Payable for Administration Fees

   

5

   

Payable for Stockholder Servicing Agent Fees

   

3

   

Other Liabilities

   

29

   

Total Liabilities

   

7,727

   

Net Assets

 

Applicable to 20,208,365 Issued and Outstanding $0.01 Par Value Shares (100,000,000 Shares Authorized)

 

$

152,374

   

Net Asset Value Per Share

 

$

7.54

   

Net Assets Consist of:

 

Common Stock

 

$

202

   

Paid-in-Capital

   

232,068

   

Total Accumulated Loss

   

(79,896

)

 

Net Assets

 

$

152,374

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


17


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Financial Statements (cont'd)

Statement of Operations

  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2023
(000)
 

Investment Income:

 

Interest from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuer (Net of $1 of Foreign Taxes Withheld)

 

$

6,726

   

Dividends from Security of Affiliated Issuer (Note E)

   

144

   

Dividends from Securities of Unaffiliated Issuers

   

2

   

Income from Securities Loaned — Net

   

@

 

Total Investment Income

   

6,872

   

Expenses:

 

Advisory Fees (Note B)

   

769

   

Professional Fees

   

81

   

Administration Fees (Note C)

   

61

   

Custodian Fees (Note D)

   

21

   

Stockholder Reporting Expenses

   

18

   

Stockholder Servicing Agent Fees

   

8

   

Directors' Fees and Expenses

   

3

   

Other Expenses

   

39

   

Total Expenses

   

1,000

   

Waiver of Administration Fees (Note C)

   

(31

)

 

Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliate (Note E)

   

(6

)

 

Net Expenses

   

963

   

Net Investment Income

   

5,909

   

Realized Gain (Loss):

 

Investments Sold

   

(15,598

)

 

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

   

(5

)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

   

36

   

Futures Contracts

   

8

   

Swap Agreements

   

129

   

Net Realized Loss

   

(15,430

)

 

Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation):

 

Investments (Net of Increase in Deferred Capital Gain Country Tax of $17)

   

16,357

   

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts

   

(134

)

 

Foreign Currency Translation

   

(29

)

 

Futures Contracts

   

(325

)

 

Swap Agreements

   

(28

)

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

(15,841

)

 

Net Realized Loss and Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

411

   

Net Increase in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

 

$

6,320

   

@ Amount is less than $500.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


18


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023

Financial Statements (cont'd)

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2023
(unaudited)
(000)
  Year Ended
December 31, 2022
(000)
 

Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets:

 

Operations:

 

Net Investment Income

 

$

5,909

   

$

10,785

   

Net Realized Loss

   

(15,430

)

   

(23,156

)

 

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

   

(15,841

)

   

(25,219

)

 

Net Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets Resulting from Operations

   

6,320

     

(37,590

)

 

Dividends and Distributions to Stockholders

   

(6,996

)

   

(9,786

)

 

Capital Share Transactions:

 

Repurchase of Shares (178,355 and 0 shares)

   

(1,162

)

   

   

Net Decrease in Net Assets Resulting from Capital Share Transactions

   

(1,162

)

   

   

Total Decrease

   

(1,838

)

   

(37,590

)

 

Net Assets:

 

Beginning of Period

   

154,212

     

201,588

   

End of Period

 

$

152,374

   

$

154,212

   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


19


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023

Financial Highlights

Selected Per Share Data and Ratios

    Six Months Ended
June 30, 2023
 

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

(unaudited)

 

2022

 

2021

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period

 

$

7.56

   

$

9.89

   

$

10.57

   

$

10.54

   

$

9.72

   

$

10.99

   

Net Investment Income(1)

   

0.29

     

0.53

     

0.45

     

0.42

     

0.52

     

0.50

   

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)

   

0.04

     

(2.38

)

   

(0.68

)

   

0.04

     

0.82

     

(1.26

)

 

Total from Investment Operations

   

0.33

     

(1.85

)

   

(0.23

)

   

0.46

     

1.34

     

(0.76

)

 

Distributions from and/or in Excess of:

 

Net Investment Income

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.48

)

   

(0.45

)

   

(0.37

)

   

(0.52

)

   

(0.54

)

 

Paid-in-Capital

   

     

     

     

(0.06

)

   

     

   

Total Distributions

   

(0.35

)

   

(0.48

)

   

(0.45

)

   

(0.43

)

   

(0.52

)

   

(0.54

)

 

Anti-Dilutive Effect of Share Repurchase Program

   

     

     

     

     

     

0.03

   

Net Asset Value, End of Period

 

$

7.54

   

$

7.56

   

$

9.89

   

$

10.57

   

$

10.54

   

$

9.72

   

Per Share Market Value, End of Period

 

$

6.44

   

$

6.54

   

$

9.01

   

$

9.26

   

$

9.68

   

$

8.23

   

TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN:(2)

 

Market Value

   

3.75

%(3)

   

(22.05

)%

   

2.21

%

   

0.67

%

   

24.25

%

   

(12.42

)%

 

Net Asset Value

   

5.09

%(3)

   

(17.91

)%

   

(1.71

)%

   

5.53

%

   

14.55

%

   

(6.07

)%

 

RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

 

Net Assets, End of Period (Thousands)

 

$

152,374

   

$

154,212

   

$

201,588

   

$

215,387

   

$

215,090

   

$

198,203

   
Ratio of Expenses Before Expenses Waived
by Administrator
   

1.30

%(4)

   

1.25

%

   

1.23

%

   

1.24

%

   

1.22

%

   

1.21

%

 
Ratio of Expenses After Expenses Waived
by Administrator
   

1.26

%(4)(5)

   

1.21

%(5)

   

1.18

%(5)

   

1.19

%(5)

   

1.17

%(5)

   

1.16

%(5)

 

Ratio of Net Investment Income

   

7.69

%(4)(5)

   

6.49

%(5)

   

4.37

%(5)

   

4.15

%(5)

   

5.00

%(5)

   

4.83

%(5)

 

Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates

   

0.01

%(4)

   

0.01

%

   

0.00

%(6)

   

0.01

%

   

0.01

%

   

0.00

%(6)

 

Portfolio Turnover Rate

   

62

%(3)

   

77

%

   

26

%

   

38

%

   

39

%

   

31

%

 

(1)  Per share amount is based on average shares outstanding.

(2)  Total investment return based on net asset value per share reflects the effects of changes in net asset value on the performance of the Fund during each period, and assumes dividends and distributions, if any, were reinvested. This percentage is not an indication of the performance of a stockholder's investment in the Fund based on market value due to differences between the market price of the stock and the net asset value per share of the Fund. Total returns are based upon the market value and net asset value on the last business day of each period.

(3)  Not annualized.

(4)  Annualized.

(5)  The Ratio of Expenses After Expenses Waived by Administrator and Ratio of Net Investment Income reflect the rebate of certain Fund expenses in connection with the investments in Morgan Stanley affiliates during the period. The effect of the rebate on the ratios is disclosed in the above table as "Ratio of Rebate from Morgan Stanley Affiliates."

(6)  Amount is less than 0.005%.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.


20


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") was incorporated in Maryland on May 6, 1993, and is registered as a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"). The Fund applies investment company accounting and reporting guidance Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") Topic 946. The Fund's primary investment objective is to produce high current income and as a secondary objective, to seek capital appreciation, through investments primarily in debt securities of government and government-related issuers located in emerging countries, of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers and debt securities of corporate issuers in or organized under the laws of emerging countries. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objectives by investing, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of its managed assets in emerging markets domestic debt. The Fund's investment process incorporates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) via an integrated approach within the investment team's fundamental investment analysis framework. Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (the "Adviser") and Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited (the "Sub-Adviser") may engage with management of certain issuers regarding corporate governance practices as well as what the Fund's Adviser and Sub-Adviser deem to be materially important environmental and/or social issues facing a company. To the extent that the Fund invests in derivative instruments that (the Adviser or Sub-Adviser believes have economic characteristics similar to debt securities of government and government-related issuers located in emerging market countries and of entities organized to restructure outstanding debt of such issuers, such investments will be counted for purposes of meeting the Fund's investment objective. To the extent the Fund makes such investments, the Fund will be subject to the risks of such derivative instruments as described herein.

A.  Significant Accounting Policies: The following significant accounting policies are in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Such policies are consistently followed by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements. GAAP may require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

1.  Security Valuation: (1) Fixed income securities may be valued by an outside pricing service/vendor approved by the Fund's Board of Directors (the "Directors"). The pricing service/vendor may employ a pricing model that takes into account, among other things, bids, yield spreads and/or other market data and specific security characteristics. If the Adviser determines that the price provided by the outside pricing service/vendor does not reflect the security's fair value or is unable to provide a price, prices from brokers/dealers may also be utilized. In these circumstances, the value of the security will be the mean of bid and asked prices obtained from brokers/dealers; (2) an equity portfolio security listed or traded on an exchange is valued at its latest reported sales price (or at the exchange official closing price if such exchange reports an official closing price), and if there were no sales on a given day and if there is no official exchange closing price for that day, the security is valued at the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices if such bid and asked prices are available on the relevant exchanges. If only bid prices are available then the latest bid price may be used. Listed equity securities not traded on the valuation date with no reported bid and asked prices available on the exchange are valued at the mean between the current bid and asked prices obtained from one or more reputable brokers/dealers. In cases where a security is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange designated as the primary market; (3) when market


21


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

quotations are not readily available, as defined by Rule 2a-5 under the Act, including circumstances under which the Adviser or the Sub-Adviser determines that the closing price, last sale price or the mean between the last reported bid and asked prices are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures approved by and under the general supervision of the Directors. Occasionally, developments affecting the closing prices of securities and other assets may occur between the times at which valuations of such securities are determined (that is, close of the foreign market on which the securities trade) and the close of business of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). If developments occur during such periods that are expected to materially affect the value of such securities, such valuations may be adjusted to reflect the estimated fair value of such securities as of the close of the NYSE, as determined in good faith by the Directors or by the Adviser using a pricing service and/or procedures approved by the Directors; (4) futures are valued at the settlement price on the exchange on which they trade or, if a settlement price is unavailable, at the last sale price on the exchange; (5) over-the-counter ("OTC") swaps may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by the Directors or quotes from a broker/dealer. Swaps cleared on a clearinghouse or exchange may be valued using the closing price provided by the clearinghouse or exchange; (6) foreign exchange transactions ("spot contracts") and foreign exchange forward contracts ("forward contracts") are valued daily using an independent pricing vendor at the spot and forward rates, respectively, as of the close of the NYSE; and (7) investments in mutual funds, including the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds, are valued at the net asset value ("NAV") as of the close of each business day.

  In connection with Rule 2a-5 of the Act, the Directors have designated the Fund's Adviser as its valuation designee. The valuation designee has responsibility for

determining fair value and to make the actual calculations pursuant to the fair valuation methodologies previously approved by the Directors. Under procedures approved by the Directors, the Fund's Adviser, as valuation designee, has formed a Valuation Committee whose members are approved by the Directors. The Valuation Committee provides administration and oversight of the Fund's valuation policies and procedures, which are reviewed at least annually by the Directors. These procedures allow the Fund to utilize independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers and other market sources to determine fair value.

2.  Fair Value Measurement: Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurement" ("ASC 820"), defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market partcipants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-tier hierarchy to distinguish between (1) inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs) and (2) inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in valuing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs) and to establish classification of fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. The inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:

•  Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical investments

•  Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risk, etc.)


22


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

•  Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments. Factors considered in making this determination may include, but are not limited to, information obtained by contacting the issuer, analysts, or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities), analysis of the issuer's financial statements or other available documents and, if necessary, available information concerning other securities in similar circumstances.

  The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities and the determination of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to each security.

  The following is a summary of the inputs used to value each Fund's investments as of June 30, 2023:

Investment Type

  Level 1
Unadjusted
quoted
prices
(000)
  Level 2
Other
significant
observable
inputs
(000)
  Level 3
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(000)
  Total
(000)
 

Assets:

 

Fixed Income Securities

 
Corporate
Bonds
 

$

   

$

44,862

   

$

   

$

44,862

   

Sovereign

   

     

102,924

     

     

102,924

   
Total Fixed
Income
Securities
   

     

147,786

     

     

147,786

   

Warrants

   

     

28

     

     

28

   

Short-Term Investments

 
U.S. Treasury
Security
   

     

171

     

     

171

   
Investment
Company
   

4,107

     

     

     

4,107

   
Total Short-Term
Investments
   

4,107

     

171

     

     

4,278

   

Investment Type

  Level 1
Unadjusted
quoted
prices
(000)
  Level 2
Other
significant
observable
inputs
(000)
  Level 3
Significant
unobservable
inputs
(000)
  Total
(000)
 

Assets: (cont'd)

 
Foreign Currency
Forward
Exchange
Contracts
 

$

   

$

12

   

$

   

$

12

   
Futures
Contracts
   

361

     

     

     

361

   
Credit Default
Swap
Agreement
   

     

88

     

     

88

   

Total Assets

   

4,468

     

148,085

     

     

152,553

   

Liabilities:

 
Foreign Currency
Forward
Exchange
Contracts
   

     

(410

)

   

     

(410

)

 
Futures
Contracts
   

(240

)

   

     

     

(240

)

 
Credit Default
Swap
Agreement
   

     

(63

)

   

     

(63

)

 

Total Liabilities

   

(240

)

   

(473

)

   

     

(713

)

 

Total

 

$

4,228

   

$

147,612

   

$

   

$

151,840

   

  Transfers between investment levels may occur as the markets fluctuate and/or the availability of data used in an investment's valuation changes.

3.  Foreign Currency Translation and Foreign Investments: The books and records of the Fund are maintained in U.S. dollars. Foreign currency amounts are translated into U.S. dollars as follows:

—  investments, other assets and liabilities at the prevailing rate of exchange on the valuation date;

—  investment transactions and investment income at the prevailing rates of exchange on the dates of such transactions.


23


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

  Although the net assets of the Fund are presented at the foreign exchange rates and market values at the close of the period, the Fund does not isolate that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities held at period end. Similarly, the Fund does not isolate the effect of changes in foreign exchange rates from the fluctuations arising from changes in the market prices of securities sold during the period. Accordingly, realized and unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) on investments in securities are included in the reported net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investment transactions and balances. However, pursuant to U.S. Federal income tax regulations, gains and losses from certain foreign currency transactions and the foreign currency portion of gains and losses realized on sales and maturities of foreign denominated debt securities are treated as ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

  Net realized gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions represent net foreign exchange gains (losses) from foreign currency forward exchange contracts, disposition of foreign currencies, currency gains (losses) realized between the trade and settlement dates on securities transactions, and the difference between the amount of investment income and foreign withholding taxes recorded on the Fund's books and the U.S. dollar equivalent amounts actually received or paid. The change in unrealized currency gains (losses) on foreign currency transactions for the period is reflected in the Statement of Operations.

  A significant portion of the Fund's net assets consist of securities of issuers located in emerging markets, which are denominated in foreign currencies. Such securities may be concentrated in a limited number of countries and regions and may vary throughout the year. Changes in currency exchange rates will affect the value of securities and

investment income from foreign currency denominated securities. Emerging market securities are often subject to greater price volatility, limited capitalization and liquidity, and higher rates of inflation than securities of companies based in the U.S. In addition, emerging market issuers may be subject to substantial governmental involvement in the economy and greater social, economic and political uncertainty.

4.  Derivatives: The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivative instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its underlying asset and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments. All of the Fund's


24


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked-to-market each day with the change in value reflected in unrealized appreciation (depreciation). Upon disposition, a realized gain or loss is recognized.

  Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so to satisfy its obligations or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

  Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund used during the period and their associated risks:

  Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts: In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also entered into contracts with banks, brokers/dealers to purchase or sell foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract ("currency contract") is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. Currency contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. To the extent hedged by the use of currency contracts, the precise matching of the currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date

on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Furthermore, such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. There is additional risk to the extent that currency contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not entered into such contracts. The use of currency contracts involves the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract. A currency contract is marked-to-market daily and the change in market value is recorded by the Fund as unrealized gain or loss. The Fund records realized gains (losses) when the currency contract is closed equal to the difference between the value of the currency contract at the time it was opened and the value at the time it was closed.

  Futures: A futures contract is a standardized, exchangetraded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. The value of a futures contract tends to increase and decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. During the period the futures contract is open, payments are received from or made to the broker based upon changes in the value of the contract (the variation margin). A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because


25


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time.

  Swaps: The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. A swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for OTC swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non-performance by the counterparty. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. During the period swap agreements are open, payments are received

from or made to the counterparty or clearing-house based on changes in the value of the contract or variation margin, respectively. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange-trading of certain standardized swap transactions. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing is occurring on a phased-in basis based on the type of market participant and U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") approval of contracts for central clearing and exchange trading.

  The Fund's use of swaps during the period included those based on the credit of an underlying security commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." The Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap. Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by the issuer of the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event by the issuer of the referenced debt obligation. The use of credit default swaps could result in losses to the Fund if the Adviser fails to correctly evaluate the creditworthiness of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

  If the Fund is a seller of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) pay to the buyer of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the


26


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

swap agreement and take delivery of the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) pay a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. If the Fund is a buyer of protection and a credit event occurs, as defined under the terms of that particular swap agreement, the Fund will either (i) receive from the seller of protection an amount equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement and deliver the referenced obligation, other deliverable obligations or underlying securities comprising the referenced index or (ii) receive a net settlement amount in the form of cash or securities equal to the notional amount of the swap agreement less the recovery value of the referenced obligation or underlying securities comprising the referenced index. Recovery values are estimated by market makers considering either industry standard recovery rates or entity specific factors and considerations until a credit event occurs. If a credit event has occurred, the recovery value is determined by a facilitated auction whereby a minimum number of allowable broker bids, together with a specified valuation method, are used to calculate the settlement value. The Fund's maximum risk of loss from counterparty risk, either as the protection seller or as the protection buyer, is the fair value of the swap agreement.

  When the Fund has an unrealized loss on a swap agreement, the Fund has instructed the custodian to pledge cash or liquid securities as collateral with a value approximately equal to the amount of the unrealized loss. Collateral pledges are monitored and subsequently adjusted if and when the swap valuations fluctuate. If applicable, cash collateral is included with "Due from (to) Broker" in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

  Upfront payments paid or received by the Fund will be reflected as an asset or liability, respectively, in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

  FASB ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASC 815"), is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand how and why the Fund uses derivative instruments, how these derivative instruments are accounted for and their effects on the Fund's financial position and results of operations.

  The following table sets forth the fair value of the Fund's derivative contracts by primary risk exposure as of June 30, 2023:

    Asset Derivatives
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Primary Risk
Exposure
  Value
(000)
 
Foreign Currency
Forward Exchange
Contracts
 
  Unrealized Appreciation
on Foreign Currency
Forward Exchange
Contracts
 


Currency Risk
 

$

12

   
Futures Contracts
 
  Variation Margin on
Futures Contracts
  Interest
Rate Risk
   

361

(1)

 
Swap Agreements
 
  Unrealized Appreciation
on Swap Agreements
 
Credit Risk
   

88

   

Total

         

$

461

   
    Liability Derivatives
Statement of Assets and
Liabilities Location
  Primary Risk
Exposure
  Value
(000)
 
Foreign Currency
Forward Exchange
Contracts
 
  Unrealized Depreciation
on Foreign Currency
Forward Exchange
Contracts
 


Currency Risk
 

$

(410

)

 
Futures Contracts
  Variation Margin on
Futures Contracts
  Interest
Rate Risk
   

(240

)(1)

 
Swap Agreements
  Variation Margin on
Swap Agreements
 

Credit Risk

   

(63

)

 

Total

         

$

(713

)

 

  (1)This amount represents the cumulative appreciation (depreciation) as reported in the Portfolio of Investments. The Statement of Assets and Liabilities only reflects the current day's net variation margin.


27


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

  The following tables set forth by primary risk exposure the Fund's realized gains (losses) and change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) by type of derivative contract for the six months ended June 30, 2023 in accordance with ASC 815:

Net Realized Gain (Loss)

 

Primary Risk Exposure

  Derivative
Type
  Value
(000)
 

Currency Risk

  Foreign Currency
Forward Exchange
Contracts
 

$

(5

)

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Futures Contracts

   

8

   

Credit Risk

 

Swap Agreements

   

129

   

Total

     

$

132

   

Net Change in Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation)

 

Primary Risk Exposure

  Derivative
Type
  Value
(000)
 

Currency Risk

  Foreign Currency
Forward Exchange
Contracts
 

$

(134

)

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Futures Contracts

   

(325

)

 

Credit Risk

 

Swap Agreements

   

(28

)

 

Total

     

$

(487

)

 

  At June 30, 2023, the Fund's derivative assets and liabilities are as follows:

Gross Amounts of Assets and Liabilities Presented in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
 

Derivatives(b)

  Assets(c)
(000)
  Liabilities(c)
(000)
 
Foreign Currency Forward
Exchange Contracts
 

$

12

   

$

(410

)

 

Swaps

   

88

     

   

Total

 

$

100

   

$

(410

)

 

  (b)Excludes exchange-traded derivatives.

  (c)Absent an event of default or early termination, over-the-counter ("OTC") derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross and not offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities.

  The Fund typically enters into International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. Master Agreements ("ISDA Master Agreements") or similar master agreements (collectively, "Master Agreements") with its contract counterparties for certain OTC derivatives in order to, among other things, reduce its credit risk to counterparties. ISDA Master Agreements include provisions for general obligations, representations, collateral and events of default or termination. Under an ISDA Master Agreement, the Fund typically may offset with the counterparty certain OTC derivative financial instruments' payables and/or receivables with collateral held and/or posted and create one single net payment (close-out netting) in the event of default, termination and/or potential deterioration in the credit quality of the counterparty. Various Master Agreements govern the terms of certain transactions with counterparties, including transactions such as swap, forward, repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These Master Agreements typically attempt to reduce the counterparty risk associated with such transactions by specifying credit protection mechanisms and providing standardization that improves legal certainty. Cross-termination provisions under Master Agreements typically provide that a default in connection with one transaction between the Fund and a counterparty gives the non-defaulting party the right to terminate any other transactions in place with the defaulting party to create one single net payment due to/due from the defaulting party and may be a feature in certain Master Agreements. In the event the Fund exercises its right to terminate a Master Agreement after a counterparty experiences a termination event as defined in the Master Agreement, the return of collateral with market value in excess of the Fund's net liability may be delayed or denied.


28


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

  The following table presents derivative financial instruments that are subject to enforceable netting arrangements as of June 30, 2023:

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Counterparty

  Gross Asset
Derivatives
Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
(000)
  Financial
Instrument
(000)
  Collateral
Received
(000)
  Net
Amount
(not less
than $0)
(000)
 

Citibank NA

 

$

2

   

$

(1

)

 

$

   

$

1

   
Goldman Sachs
International
   

88

     

     

     

88

   

HSBC Bank PLC

   

10

     

(10

)

   

     

0

   

Total

 

$

100

   

$

(11

)

 

$

   

$

89

   

Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Counterparty

  Gross Liability
Derivatives
Presented in
the Statement of
Assets and
Liabilities
(000)
  Financial
Instrument
(000)
  Collateral
Pledged
(000)
  Net
Amount
(not less
than $0)
(000)
 

Citibank NA

 

$

1

   

$

(1

)

 

$

   

$

0

   
Goldman Sachs
International
   

@

   

     

     

@

 

HSBC Bank PLC

   

49

     

(10

)

   

     

39

   

UBS AG

   

360

     

     

     

360

   

Total

 

$

410

   

$

(11

)

 

$

   

$

399

   

  @ Value is less than $500.

  For the six months ended June 30, 2023, the average monthly amount outstanding for each derivative type is as follows:

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts:

Average monthly principal amount

 

$

18,843,000

   

Futures Contracts:

Average monthly notional value

 

$

78,735,000

   

Swap Agreements:

Average monthly notional amount

 

$

11,375,000

   

5.  Securities Lending: The Fund lends securities to qualified financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, to earn additional income. Any increase or decrease in the fair value of the securities loaned that might occur and any interest earned or dividends declared on those securities during the term of the loan would remain in the Fund. The Fund would receive cash or securities as collateral in an amount equal to or exceeding 100% of the current fair value of the loaned securities. The collateral is marked-to-market daily by State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), the securities lending agent, to ensure that a minimum of 100% collateral coverage is maintained.

  Based on pre-established guidelines, the securities lending agent invests any cash collateral that is received in an affiliated money market portfolio and repurchase agreements. Securities lending income is generated from the earnings on the invested collateral and borrowing fees, less any rebates owed to the borrowers and compensation to the lending agent, and is recorded as "Income from Securities Loaned — Net" in the Fund's Statement of Operations. Risks in securities lending transactions are that a borrower may not provide additional collateral when required or return the securities when due, and that the value of the short-term investments will be less than the amount of cash collateral plus any rebate that is required to be returned to the borrower.

  The Fund has the right under the securities lending agreement to recover the securities from the borrower on demand.

  At June 30, 2023, the Fund did not have any outstanding securities on loan.

6.  Structured Investments: The Fund invested a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or


29


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

7.  Indemnifications:  The Fund enters into contracts that contain a variety of indemnifications. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown. However, the Fund has not had prior claims or losses pursuant to these contracts and expects the risk of loss to be remote.

8.  Dividends and Distributions to Stockholders:  Dividends and distributions to stockholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Dividends from net investment income, if any, are declared and paid quarterly. Net realized capital gains, if any, are distributed at least annually.

9.  Other:  Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased or sold. Realized gains (losses) on the sale of investment securities are determined

on the specific identified cost basis. Interest income is recognized on the accrual basis except where collection is in doubt and is recorded net of foreign withholding tax. Discounts are accreted and premiums are amortized over the life of the respective securities. Dividend income and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date (except certain dividends which may be recorded as soon as the Fund is informed of such dividends) net of applicable withholding taxes.

B.  Advisory/Sub-Advisory Fees:  The Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, provides the Fund with advisory services under the terms of an Investment Advisory Agreement, calculated weekly and payable monthly, at an annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average weekly net assets.

The Adviser has entered into a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Sub-Adviser, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. The Sub-Adviser provides the Fund with advisory services subject to the overall supervision of the Adviser and the Fund's Officers and Directors. The Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser on a monthly basis a portion of the net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

C.  Administration Fees:  The Adviser also serves as Administrator to the Company and provides administrative services pursuant to an Administration Agreement for an annual fee, accrued daily and paid monthly, of 0.08% of the Fund's average daily net assets. The Adviser has agreed to limit the administration fee through a waiver so that it will be no greater than the previous administration fee of 0.02435% of the Fund's average weekly net assets plus $24,000 per annum. This waiver may be terminated at any time. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, approximately $31,000 of administration fees were waived pursuant to this arrangement.

Under a Sub-Administration Agreement between the Administrator and State Street, State Street provides certain administrative services to the Company. For such services, the


30


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

Administrator pays State Street a portion of the fee the Administrator receives from the Fund.

D.  Custodian Fees:  State Street (the "Custodian") also serves as Custodian for the Fund in accordance with a Custodian Agreement. The Custodian holds cash, securities and other assets of the Fund as required by the Act. Custody fees are payable monthly based on assets held in custody, investment purchases and sales activity and account maintenance fees, plus reimbursement for certain out-of-pocket expenses.

E.  Security Transactions and Transactions with Affiliates:  For the six months ended June 30, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities for the Fund, other than long-term U.S. Government securities and short-term investments were approximately $96,213,000 and $88,307,000, respectively. There were no purchases and sales of long-term U.S. Government securities for the six months ended June 30, 2023.

The Fund invests in the Institutional Class of the Morgan Stanley Institutional Liquidity Funds — Treasury Securities Portfolio (the "Liquidity Funds"), an open-end management investment company managed by the Adviser, both directly and as a portion of the securities held as collateral on loaned securities. Advisory fees paid by the Fund are reduced by an amount equal to its pro-rata share of the advisory and administration fees paid by the Fund due to its investment in the Liquidity Funds. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, advisory fees paid were reduced by approximately $6,000 relating to the Fund's investment in the Liquidity Funds.

A summary of the Fund's transactions in shares of affiliated investments during the six months ended June 30, 2023 is as follows:

Affiliated
Investment
Company
  Value
December 31,
2022
(000)
  Purchases
at Cost
(000)
  Proceeds
from Sales
(000)
  Dividend
Income
(000)
 

Liquidity Funds

 

$

15,465

   

$

50,745

   

$

62,103

   

$

144

   
Affiliated
Investment
Company (cont'd)
  Realized
Gain (Loss)
(000)
  Change in
Unrealized
Appreciation
(Depreciation)
(000)
  Value
June 30,
2023
(000)
 

Liquidity Funds

 

$

   

$

   

$

4,107

   

The Fund has an unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), which allows each independent Director to defer payment of all, or a portion, of the fees he or she receives for serving on the Board of Directors. Each eligible Director generally may elect to have the deferred amounts credited with a return equal to the total return on one or more of the Morgan Stanley funds that are offered as investment options under the Compensation Plan. Appreciation/depreciation and distributions received from these investments are recorded with an offsetting increase/decrease in the deferred compensation obligation and do not affect the NAV of the Fund.

F.  Federal Income Taxes: It is the Fund's intention to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company and distribute all of its taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes is required in the financial statements.

The Fund may be subject to taxes imposed by countries in which it invests. Such taxes are generally based on income and/or capital gains earned or repatriated. Taxes are accrued based on net investment income, net realized gains and net unrealized appreciation as such income and/or gains are earned. Taxes may also be based on transactions in foreign currency and are accrued based on the value of investments denominated in such currency.

FASB ASC 740-10, "Income Taxes — Overall", sets forth a minimum threshold for financial statement recognition of the benefit of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Management has concluded there are no significant uncertain tax positions that would require recognition in the financial statements. If applicable, the Fund recognizes interest


31


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in "Interest Expense" and penalties in "Other Expenses" in the Statement of Operations. The Fund files tax returns with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, New York and various states. Generally, each of the tax years in the four-year period ended December 31, 2022 remains subject to examination by taxing authorities.

The tax character of distributions paid may differ from the character of distributions shown for GAAP purposes due to short-term capital gains being treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The tax character of distributions paid during fiscal years 2022 and 2021 was as follows:

2022 Distributions
Paid From:
  2021 Distributions
Paid From:
 
Ordinary
Income
(000)
  Ordinary
Income
(000)
 
$

9,786

   

$

9,174

   

The amount and character of income and gains to be distributed are determined in accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from GAAP. These book/tax differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature.

Temporary differences are attributable to differing book and tax treatments for the timing of the recognition of gains (losses) on certain investment transactions and the timing of the deductibility of certain expenses.

The Fund had no permanent differences causing reclassifications among the components of net assets for the year ended December 31, 2022.

At December 31, 2022, the components of distributable earnings for the Fund on a tax basis were as follows:

Undistributed Ordinary
Income
(000)
  Undistributed
Long-Term Capital Gain
(000)
 
$

1,775

   

$

   

At December 31, 2022, the Fund had available for federal income tax purposes unused short-term and long-term capital losses of approximately $7,824,000 and $35,437,000, respectively, that do not have an expiration date.

To the extent that capital loss carryforwards are used to offset any future capital gains realized, no capital gains tax liability will be incurred by the Fund for gains realized and not distributed. To the extent that capital gains are offset, such gains will not be distributed to the stockholders.

G.  Other: As permitted by the Fund's offering prospectus, on October 8, 2007, the Fund commenced a share repurchase program for purposes of enhancing stockholder value and reducing the discount at which the Fund's shares trade from their NAV. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Fund repurchased 178,355 of its shares at an average discount rate 13.24% from NAV. Since the inception of the program, the Fund has repurchased 4,564,537 of its shares at an average discount of 14.50% from NAV. The Directors regularly monitor the Fund's share repurchase program as part of their review and consideration of the Fund's premium/discount history. The Fund expects to continue to repurchase its outstanding shares at such time and in such amounts as it believes will further the accomplishment of the foregoing objectives, subject to review by the Directors. You can access information about the monthly share repurchase results through Morgan Stanley Investment Management's website: www.morganstanley.com/im/closedendfundsshareholderreports.

At June 30, 2023, the Fund had record owners of 10% or greater. Investment activities of these shareholders could have a materal impact on the Fund. The aggregate percentage of such owners was 10.8%.


32


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

H.  Results of Annual Shareholder Meeting: On June 22, 2023, an annual meeting of the Fund's stockholders was held for the purpose of voting on the following matter, the results of which were as follows:

Election of Directors by all stockholders:

   

For

 

Against

 

Frances L. Cashman

   

14,874,353

     

1,712,587

   

Kathleen A. Dennis

   

14,842,386

     

1,744,554

   

Joseph J. Kearns

   

13,696,663

     

2,890,277

   

Patricia A. Maleski

   

14,869,113

     

1,717,827

   

 

I.  Market Risk: An investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which may change due to economic and other events that affect markets generally, as well as those that affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies or governments. Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, conflicts, social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions, may occur and could significantly impact issuers, industries, governments and other systems, including the financial markets and global economy. It is difficult to predict when events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). These events may be sudden and significant and may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations and have a significant and rapid negative impact on the performance of and/or income or yield from the Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing risks to the Fund. For example, the extent of the impact of a public health emergency depends on future developments, including (i) the duration and spread of the public health emergency, (ii) the restrictions and advisories, (iii) the effects on the financial markets, (iv) government and regulatory responses, and (v) the effects on the economy overall as a result of developments such as

disruption to consumer demand, economic output and supply chains. The occurrence, duration and extent of these or other types of adverse economic and market conditions and uncertainty over the long term cannot be reasonably projected or estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of public health emergencies or other adverse economic or market developments and the extent to which the associated conditions impact the Fund will also depend on other future developments, which are highly uncertain, difficult to accurately predict and subject to change at any time. The financial performance of the Fund's investments (and, in turn, the Fund's investment results) as well as their liquidity may be adversely affected because of these and similar types of factors and developments.


33


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Notes to Financial Statements (cont'd)

For More Information About Portfolio Holdings

The Fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings in its Semi-Annual and Annual Reports within 60 days of the end of the Fund's second and fourth fiscal quarters. The Semi-Annual Reports and the Annual Reports are filed electronically with the SEC on Form N-CSRS and Form N-CSR, respectively. Morgan Stanley also delivers the Semi-Annual and Annual Reports to Fund stockholders and makes these reports available on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/closedendedfundsshareholderreports. Each Morgan Stanley non-money market fund also files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC for the Fund's first and third fiscal quarters as an attachment to Form N-PORT. Morgan Stanley does not deliver the reports for the first and third fiscal quarters to stockholders, but makes the complete schedule of portfolio holdings for the fund's first and third fiscal quarters available on its public website. The holdings for each money market fund are also posted to the Morgan Stanley public website. You may obtain the Form N-PORT filings (as well as the Form N-CSR and N-CSRS filings) by accessing the SEC's website, www.sec.gov. You can also request copies of these materials, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the SEC's e-mail address (publicinfo@sec.gov).

In addition to filing a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the SEC each fiscal quarter, the Fund makes portfolio holdings information available by providing the information on its public website, www.morganstanley.com/im/closedendedfundsshareholderreports. The Fund provides a complete schedule of portfolio holdings on the public website on a monthly basis at least 15 calendar days after month end and under other conditions as described in the Fund's policy on portfolio holdings disclosure. You may obtain copies of the Fund's monthly website postings by calling toll free 1 (800) 231-2608.

Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures and Proxy Voting Record

A copy of (1) the Fund's policies and procedures with respect to the voting of proxies relating to the Fund's portfolio securities; and (2) how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30, is available without charge, upon request, by calling toll free 1 (800) 231-2608 or by visiting our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/closedendfundsshareholderreports. This information is also available on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.


34


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

The Board reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the investment advisory services provided by the Adviser under the advisory agreement, including portfolio management, investment research and equity and fixed income securities trading. The Board reviewed similar information and factors regarding the Sub-Adviser, to the extent applicable. The Board also reviewed and considered the nature and extent of the non-advisory, administrative services provided by the Administrator under the administration agreement, including accounting, operations, clerical, bookkeeping, compliance, business management and planning, legal services and the provision of supplies, office space and utilities at the Adviser's expense. The Board also considered the Adviser's investment in personnel and infrastructure that benefits the Fund. (The Adviser, Sub-Adviser and Administrator together are referred to as the "Adviser" and the advisory, sub-advisory and administration agreements together are referred to as the "Management Agreement.") The Board also considered that the Adviser serves a variety of other investment advisory clients and has experience overseeing service providers. The Board also compared the nature of the services provided by the Adviser with similar services provided by non-affiliated advisers as prepared by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. ("Broadridge").

The Board reviewed and considered the qualifications of the portfolio managers, the senior administrative managers and other key personnel of the Adviser who provide the advisory and administrative services to the Fund. The Board determined that the Adviser's portfolio managers and key personnel are well qualified by education and/or training and experience to perform the services in an efficient and professional manner. The Board concluded that the nature and extent of the advisory and administrative services provided were necessary and appropriate for the conduct of the business and investment activities of the Fund and supported its decision to approve the Management Agreement.

Performance, Fees and Expenses of the Fund

The Board reviewed the performance, fees and expenses of the Fund compared to its peers, as prepared by Broadridge, and to appropriate benchmarks where applicable. The Board discussed with the Adviser the performance goals and the actual results achieved in managing the Fund. When considering a fund's performance, the Board and the Adviser place emphasis on trends and longer-term returns (focusing on one-year, three-year and five-year performance, as of December 31, 2022, or since inception, as applicable). When a fund underperforms its benchmark and/or its peer group average, the Board and the Adviser discuss the causes of such underperformance and, where necessary, they discuss specific changes to investment strategy or investment personnel. The Board noted that the Fund's performance was better than its peer group average for the three- and five-year periods but below its peer group average for the one-year period. The Board discussed with the Adviser the level of the advisory and administration fees (together, the "management fee") for this Fund relative to comparable funds and/or other accounts advised by the Adviser and/or compared to its peers as prepared by Broadridge. In addition to the management fee, the Board also reviewed the Fund's total expense ratio. The Board noted that the Fund's management fee was higher than but close to its peer group average and the total expense ratio was lower than its peer group average. After discussion, the Board concluded that the Fund's performance, management fee and total expense ratio were competitive with its peer group averages.


35


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (cont'd)

Economies of Scale

The Board considered the size and growth prospects of the Fund and how that relates to the Fund's total expense ratio and particularly the Fund's management fee rate, which does not include breakpoints. In conjunction with its review of the Adviser's profitability, the Board discussed with the Adviser how a change in assets can affect the efficiency or effectiveness of managing the Fund and whether the management fee level is appropriate relative to current and projected asset levels and/or whether the management fee structure reflects economies of scale as asset levels change. The Board considered that, with respect to closed-end funds, the assets are not likely to grow with new sales or grow significantly as a result of capital appreciation. The Board concluded that economies of scale for the Fund were not a factor that needed to be considered at the present time.

Profitability of the Adviser and Affiliates

The Board considered information concerning the costs incurred and profits realized by the Adviser and its affiliates during the last year from their relationship with the Fund and during the last two years from their relationship with the Morgan Stanley Fund Complex and reviewed with the Adviser the cost allocation methodology used to determine the profitability of the Adviser and affiliates. The Board has determined that its review of the analysis of the Adviser's expenses and profitability supports its decision to approve the Management Agreement.

Other Benefits of the Relationship

The Board considered other direct and indirect benefits to the Adviser and/or its affiliates derived from their relationship with the Fund and other funds advised by the Adviser. These benefits may include, among other things, fees for trading, distribution and/or shareholder servicing and for transaction processing and reporting platforms used by securities lending agents, and research received by the Adviser generated from commission dollars spent on funds' portfolio trading. The Board reviewed with the Adviser these arrangements and the reasonableness of the Adviser's costs relative to the services performed. The Board has determined that its review of the other benefits received by the Adviser or its affiliates supports its decision to approve the Management Agreement.

Resources of the Adviser and Historical Relationship Between the Fund and the Adviser

The Board considered whether the Adviser is financially sound and has the resources necessary to perform its obligations under the Management Agreement. The Board also reviewed and considered the historical relationship between the Fund and the Adviser, including the organizational structure of the Adviser, the policies and procedures formulated and adopted by the Adviser for managing the Fund's operations and the Board's confidence in the competence and integrity of the senior managers and key personnel of the Adviser. The Board concluded that the Adviser has the financial resources necessary to fulfill its obligations under the Management Agreement and that it is beneficial for the Fund to continue its relationship with the Adviser.

Other Factors and Current Trends

The Board considered the controls and procedures adopted and implemented by the Adviser and monitored by the Fund's Chief Compliance Officer and concluded that the conduct of business by the Adviser indicates a good faith effort on its part to adhere to high ethical standards in the conduct of the Fund's business.


36


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Advisory Agreement Approval (cont'd)

General Conclusion

After considering and weighing all of the above factors, with various written materials and verbal information presented by the Adviser, the Board concluded that it would be in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders to approve renewal of the Management Agreement for another year. In reaching this conclusion the Board did not give particular weight to any single piece of information or factor referenced above. The Board considered these factors and information over the course of the year and in numerous meetings, some of which were in executive session with only the independent Board members and their counsel present. It is possible that individual Board members may have weighed these factors, and the information presented, differently in reaching their individual decisions to approve the Management Agreement.


37


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Portfolio Management

The Fund is managed by members of the Emerging Markets Debt team. The team consists of portfolio managers, analysts and traders. The members of the team jointly and primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund are Sahil Tandon, a Managing Director of the Sub-Adviser, Akbar Causer and Kyle Lee, Managing Directors of the Adviser, and Federico Sequeda, an Executive Director of the Adviser. Mr. Tandon has been associated with the Sub-Adviser in an investment management capacity since August 2019. Prior to August 2019, Mr. Tandon was associated with the Adviser in an investment capacity from 2004. Mr. Tandon began managing the Fund in October 2015. Mr. Causer has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since April 2017. Mr. Lee has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since July 2007. Mr. Sequeda has been associated with the Adviser or its affiliates in an investment management capacity since September 2010. As announced in a press release dated July 19, 2022, Akbar Causer, Kyle Lee and Federico Sequeda began serving as portfolio managers of the Fund on July 19, 2022 and Warren Mar ceased serving as a portfolio manager of the Fund effective September 30, 2022.


38


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy

Derivatives

The Fund may, but is not required to, use derivatives and other similar instruments for a variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to earn income. Derivative instruments used by the Fund will be counted towards the Fund's exposure in the types of securities listed herein to the extent they have economic characteristics similar to such securities. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect the value of derivative instruments. Derivatives and other similar often have risks similar to those of the underlying asset or instrument and may have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative instrument relates, risks that the transactions may not be liquid, risks arising from margin and payment requirements, risks arising from mispricing or valuation complexity and operational and legal risks. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives may involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.

Certain derivative transactions may give rise to a form of leverage. Leverage magnifies the potential for gain and the risk of loss. Leverage associated with derivative transactions may cause the Fund to liquidate portfolio positions when it may not be advantageous to do so or may cause the Fund to be more volatile than if the Fund had not been leveraged. Although the Adviser seeks to use derivatives to further the Fund's investment objective, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will achieve this result.

Following is a description of the derivative instruments and techniques that the Fund may use and their associated risks:

Foreign Currency Forward Exchange Contracts. In connection with its investments in foreign securities, the Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or dealers to purchase or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date. A foreign currency forward exchange contract ("currency contract") is a negotiated agreement between the contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract. The Fund may also invest in non-deliverable foreign currency forward exchange contracts ("NDFs"). NDFs are similar to other foreign currency forward exchange contracts, but do not require or permit physical delivery of currency upon settlement. Instead, settlement is made in cash based on the difference between the contracted exchange rate and the spot foreign exchange rate at settlement. Currency contracts may be used to protect against uncertainty in the level of future foreign currency exchange rates or to gain or modify exposure to a particular currency. In addition, the Fund may use cross currency hedging or proxy hedging with respect to currencies in which the Fund has or expects to have portfolio or currency exposure. Cross currency and proxy hedges involve the sale of one currency against the positive exposure to a different currency and may be used for hedging purposes or to establish an active exposure to the exchange rate between any two currencies. To the extent hedged by the use of currency contracts, the precise matching of the currency contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those


39


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy (cont'd)

securities between the date on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. Furthermore, such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken. There is additional risk that such transactions may reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that currency contracts create exposure to currencies in which the Fund's securities are not denominated. The use of currency contracts involves the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise comply with the terms of the contract.

Futures. A futures contract is a standardized, exchange-traded agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures market and the market for the underlying asset may result in an imperfect correlation. Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether, when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived futures transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total return and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed the Fund's initial investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by the Fund of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which the Fund has open positions in the futures contract.

Loan Participation Notes. The Fund may invest in loan participation notes ("LPNs"), which are interests in loans or other direct debt instruments relating to amounts owed by a corporate, governmental or other borrower to another party. LPNs are notes issued through a special purpose vehicle for the purpose of funding or acquiring a loan to final obligor. LPNs are subject to the same risks as other debt obligations, which may include credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and market risk. LPNs have limited recourse to the issuer, to the extent of the amount received by the issuer from the ultimate borrower in paying the principal and interest amounts as defined under the loan agreement. The Fund may be exposed to the credit risk of both the lender and the borrower, and may not benefit from any collateral supporting the underlying loan.

Options. If the Fund buys an option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price typically in exchange for a premium paid by the Fund. If the Fund sells an option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to the Fund a specific amount of the underlying instrument, swap foreign currency or futures contract on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed-upon price during a period of time or on a specified date typically in exchange for a premium received by the Fund. When options are purchased OTC the Fund bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options may also be illiquid and the Fund may have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and even a well-conceived option transaction may be unsuccessful because of market behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use of options can lower total returns.


40


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy (cont'd)

Swaptions. An option on a swap agreement, also called a "swaption," is an option that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to enter into a swap on a future date in exchange for a premium. A receiver swaption gives the owner the right to receive the return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. A payer swaption gives the owner the right to pay the return of a specified asset, reference rate, or index. Swaptions also include options that allow an existing swap to be terminated or extended by one of the counterparties.

Structured Investments. The Fund also may invest a portion of its assets in structured investments. A structured investment is a derivative security designed to offer a return linked to a particular underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Structured investments may come in various forms including notes (such as exchange-traded notes), warrants and options to purchase securities. The Fund will typically use structured investments to gain exposure to a permitted underlying security, currency, commodity or market when direct access to a market is limited or inefficient from a tax or cost standpoint. There can be no assurance that structured investments will trade at the same price or have the same value as the underlying security, currency, commodity or market. Investments in structured investments involve risks including issuer risk, counterparty risk and market risk. Holders of structured investments bear risks of the underlying investment and are subject to issuer or counterparty risk because the Fund is relying on the creditworthiness of such issuer or counterparty and has no rights with respect to the underlying investment. Certain structured investments may be thinly traded or have a limited trading market and may have the effect of increasing the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable to find qualified buyers for these securities.

Swaps. The Fund may enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates, currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by one party to the other). The Fund's obligations or rights under a swap contract entered into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party. Cleared swap transactions may help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap, the Fund's ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non- performance by the counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges called swap execution facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by the Fund or if the reference index, security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the clearing and exchange trading of certain standardized swap transactions. Mandatory exchange-trading and clearing is occurring on a phased-in basis. The Fund may pay fees or incur costs each time it enters into, amends or terminates a swap agreement. The Fund's use of swaps may include those based on the credit of an underlying security, commonly referred to as "credit default swaps." Where the Fund is the buyer of a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the


41


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy (cont'd)

counterparty to the contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third-party on the debt obligation. If no default occurs, the Fund would have paid to the counterparty a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from the contract. When the Fund is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or other agreed-upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.

Special Risks Related to Cyber Security

The Fund and its service providers are susceptible to cyber security risks that include, among other things, theft, unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential and highly restricted data; denial of service attacks; unauthorized access to relevant systems; compromises to networks or devices that the Fund and its service providers use to service the Fund's operations; or operational disruption or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support the Fund and its service providers. Cyber attacks against or security breakdowns of the Fund or its service providers may adversely impact the Fund and its stockholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses; the inability of Fund stockholders to transact business and the Fund to process transactions; inability to calculate the Fund's NAV; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs; and/or additional compliance costs. The Fund may incur additional costs for cyber security risk management and remediation purposes. In addition, cyber security risks may also impact issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which may cause the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. There can be no assurance that the Fund or its service providers will not suffer losses relating to cyber attacks or other information security breaches in the future.

Foreign and Emerging Market Securities

Investing in the securities of foreign issuers, particularly those located in emerging market or developing countries, entails the risk that news and events unique to a country or region will affect those markets and their issuers. The value of the Fund's shares may vary widely in response to political and economic factors affecting companies in foreign countries. These same events will not necessarily have an effect on the U.S. economy or similar issuers located in the United States. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have historically been considered stable may become more volatile and subject to increased risk due to ongoing developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the growing interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions.

Investments in foreign markets entail special risks such as currency, political, economic and market risks. There also may be greater market volatility, less reliable financial information, higher transaction and custody costs, decreased market liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in foreign markets. Certain foreign markets may rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are more vulnerable to diplomatic developments, the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country or countries, organizations, entities and/or individuals, changes in international trading patterns, trade barriers and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. Economic sanctions could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate


42


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy (cont'd)

the Fund's ability to purchase or sell securities or groups of securities for a substantial period of time, and may make the Fund's investments in such securities harder to value. Investments in foreign markets may also be adversely affected by governmental actions such as the imposition of capital controls, nationalization of companies or industries, expropriation of assets or the imposition of punitive taxes. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or industries. In addition, a foreign government may limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in that currency. Certain foreign investments may become less liquid in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions, or become illiquid after purchase by the Fund, particularly during periods of market turmoil. When the Fund holds illiquid investments, its portfolio may be harder to value. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed countries. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign issuers may be denominated in foreign currencies and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of the investment will fluctuate with the U.S. dollar exchange rates.

Chinese Fixed-Income Investments

The Fund may invest in Chinese fixed-income securities traded in the China Interbank Bond Market ("CIBM") through the Bond Connect program ("Bond Connect"), which allows non-Chinese-domiciled investors (such as the Fund) to purchase certain fixed-income investments available in China's interbank bond market. Bond Connect utilizes the trading infrastructure of both Hong Kong and China. Bond Connect therefore is not available when there are trading holidays in Hong Kong. As a result, prices of securities purchased through Bond Connect may fluctuate at times when the Fund is unable to add to or exit its position. Securities offered via Bond Connect may lose their eligibility for trading through the program at any time, in which case they may be sold but could no longer be purchased through Bond Connect. Because Bond Connect is relatively new, its effects on the Chinese interbank bond are uncertain. In addition, the trading, settlement and IT systems required for non-Chinese investors in Bond Connect are relatively new and continuing to evolve. In the event that the relevant systems do not function properly, trading via Bond Connect could be disrupted, adversely affecting the ability of the Fund to acquire or dispose of securities through Bond Connect in a timely manner, which in turn could adversely impact the Fund's performance. Investors who wish to participate in the Bond Connect do so through an offshore custody agent, registration agent or other third parties (as the case may be), who would be responsible for making the relevant filings and account opening with the relevant authorities. The Portfolio is therefore subject to the risk of default or errors on the part of such agents.

Bond Connect is subject to regulation by both Hong Kong and China. There can be no assurance that further regulations will not affect the availability of securities in the program, the frequency of redemptions or other limitations. In China, Bond Connect securities are held on behalf of ultimate investors (such as the Fund) via book entry omnibus accounts in the name of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Money Markets Unit maintained with China's two clearinghouses for fixed-income securities. The Fund's ownership interest in Bond Connect securities will not be reflected directly in book entry with China's two clearinghouses will instead only be reflected on the books of its Hong Kong sub-custodian. This recordkeeping system also subjects the Fund to various risks, including the risk that the Fund may have a limited ability to enforce rights as a bondholder as well as the risks of settlement delays and counterparty default of the Hong Kong sub-custodian. While Chinese regulators have affirmed that the ultimate investors hold a


43


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy (cont'd)

beneficial interest in Bond Connect securities, the law surrounding such rights continues to develop, and the mechanisms that beneficial owners may use to enforce their rights are untested and therefore pose uncertain risks, with legal and regulatory risks potentially having retroactive effect. Further, courts in China have limited experience in applying the concept of beneficial ownership, and the law surrounding beneficial ownership will continue to evolve as they do so. There is accordingly a risk that, as the law is tested and developed, the Fund's ability to enforce its ownership rights may be negatively impacted, which could expose the Fund to the risk of loss on such investments. The Fund may not be able to participate in corporate actions affecting Bond Connect securities due to time constraints or for other operational reasons, and payments of distributions could be delayed. Market volatility and potential lack of liquidity due to low trading volume of certain bonds may result in prices of those bonds fluctuating significantly; in addition, the bid-ask spreads of the prices of such securities may be large, and the Fund may therefore incur significant costs and suffer losses when selling such investments. More generally, bonds traded in CIBM may be difficult or impossible to sell, which could further impact the Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of such securities at their expected prices. Bond Connect trades are settled in Renminbi (RMB), the Chinese currency, and investors must have timely access to a reliable supply of RMB in Hong Kong, which cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, securities purchased through Bond Connect generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Bond Connect in accordance with applicable rules. Finally, uncertainties in the Chinese tax rules governing taxation of income and gains from investments via Bond Connect could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund. The withholding tax treatment of interest income and capital gains payable to overseas investors currently is unsettled.

Environmental, Social and Governance Issues

The Fund's investment process incorporates information about environmental, social and governance issues (also referred to as ESG) via an integrated approach within the investment team's fundamental investment analysis framework. The Fund's Adviser may engage with management of certain issuers regarding corporate governance practices as well as what the Fund's Adviser deems to be materially important environmental and/or social issues facing a company.

Market and Geopolitical Risk

The value of your investment in the Fund is based on the values of the Fund's investments, which may change due to economic and other events that affect markets generally, as well as those that affect particular regions, countries, industries, companies or governments. Price movements, sometimes called volatility, may be greater or less depending on the types of securities the Fund owns and the markets in which the securities trade. Volatility and disruption in financial markets and economies may be sudden and unexpected, expose the Fund to greater risk, including risks associated with reduced market liquidity and fair valuation, and adversely affect the Fund's operations. For example, the Adviser potentially will be prevented from executing investment decisions at an advantageous time or price as a result of any domestic or global market disruptions and reduced market liquidity may impact the Fund's ability to sell securities to meet redemptions.

The increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets increases the likelihood that events or conditions in one region or financial market may adversely impact issuers in a different country, region or financial market. Securities in the Fund's portfolio may underperform due to inflation (or expectations for inflation), interest rates, global demand for particular products or


44


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy (cont'd)

resources, natural disasters, health emergencies (such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, regulatory events and governmental or quasi-governmental actions. The occurrence of global events similar to those in recent years, such as terrorist attacks around the world, natural disasters, health emergencies, social and political discord or debt crises and downgrades, among others, may result in market volatility and may have long term effects on both the U.S. and global financial markets. Inflation rates may change frequently and significantly because of various factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in monetary or economic policies (or expectations that these policies may change). Changes in expected inflation rates may adversely affect market and economic conditions, the Fund's investments and an investment in the Fund. Other financial, economic and other global market and social developments or disruptions may result in similar adverse circumstances, and it is difficult to predict when similar events affecting the U.S. or global financial markets may occur, the effects that such events may have and the duration of those effects (which may last for extended periods). In general, the securities or other instruments that the Adviser believes represent an attractive investment opportunity or in which the Fund seeks to invest may be unavailable entirely or in the specific quantities sought by the Fund. As a result, the Fund may need to obtain the desired exposure through a less advantageous investment, forgo the investment at the time or seek to replicate the desired exposure through a derivative transaction or investment in another investment vehicle. Any such event(s) could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of the Fund's portfolio. There is a risk that you may lose money by investing in the Fund.

Social, political, economic and other conditions and events, such as war, natural disasters, health emergencies (e.g., the novel coronavirus outbreak, epidemics and other pandemics), terrorism, conflicts and social unrest, recessions, inflation, rapid interest rate changes and supply chain disruptions could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and generally have a significant impact on the economies and financial markets and the Adviser's investment advisory activities and services of other service providers, which in turn could adversely affect the Fund's investments and other operations. Government and other public debt, including municipal obligations in which the Fund may invest, can be adversely affected by large and sudden changes in local and global economic conditions that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high debt level may increase market pressures to meet an issuer's funding needs, which may increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt level also raises concerns that the issuer may be unable or unwilling to repay the principal or interest on its debt, which may adversely impact instruments held by the Fund that rely on such payments. Governmental and quasi-governmental responses to certain economic or other conditions may lead to increasing government and other public debt, which heighten these risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency, and can prevent a government from implementing effective counter-cyclical fiscal policy during economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or volatility. Increasing government and other public debt may adversely affect issuers, obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.

Global events may negatively impact broad segments of businesses and populations, cause a significant negative impact on the performance of a Fund's investments and exacerbate pre-existing political, social and economic risks to the Fund. The Fund's operations may be interrupted as a result, which may contribute to the negative impact on investment performance. In addition,


45


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Investment Policy (cont'd)

governments, their regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the instruments in which the Fund invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that could have a significant negative impact on the Fund's investment performance.

Pricing of Securities

Certain of the Fund's securities may be valued by an outside pricing service approved by the Board. The pricing service/vendor may utilize a matrix system or other model incorporating attributes such as security quality, maturity and coupon as the evaluation model parameters, and/or research evaluations by its staff, including review of broker-dealer market price quotations in determining what it believes is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such pricing service. Pricing services value securities assuming orderly transactions of an institutional round lot size, but the Fund may hold or transact in such securities in smaller, odd lot sizes. Odd lots often trade at lower prices than institutional round lots.

Determination of NAV

The Fund determines the NAV per share as of the close of the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) on each day that the NYSE is open for business. Shares generally will not be priced on days that the NYSE is closed. If the NYSE is closed due to inclement weather, technology problems or any other reason on a day it would normally be open for business, or the NYSE has an unscheduled early closing on a day it has opened for business, the Fund reserves the right to treat such day as a business day and calculate its NAV as of the normally scheduled close of regular trading on the NYSE for that day, so long as the Adviser believes there generally remains an adequate market to obtain reliable and accurate market quotations. The Fund may elect to price its shares on days when the NYSE is closed but the primary securities markets on which the Fund's securities trade remain open.


46


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Plan

Pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the Plan), each stockholder will be deemed to have elected, unless Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (the Plan Agent) is otherwise instructed by the stockholder in writing, to have all distributions automatically reinvested in Fund shares. Participants in the Plan have the option of making additional voluntary cash payments to the Plan Agent, quarterly, in any amount from $100 to $3000, for investment in Fund shares.

Dividend and capital gain distributions (Distribution) will be reinvested on the reinvestment date in full and fractional shares. If the market price per share equals or exceeds net asset value per share on the reinvestment date, the Fund will issue shares to participants at net asset value or, if net asset value is less than 95% of the market price on the reinvestment date, shares will be issued at 95% of the market price. If net asset value exceeds the market price on the reinvestment date, participants will receive shares valued at market price. The Fund may purchase shares of its Common Stock in the open market in connection with dividend reinvestment requirements at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Should the Fund declare a Distribution payable only in cash, the Plan Agent will purchase Fund shares for participants in the open market as agent for the participants.

The Plan Agent's fees for the reinvestment of a Distribution will be paid by the Fund. However, each participant's account will be charged a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred on any open market purchases effected on such participant's behalf. Although stockholders in the Plan may receive no cash distributions, participation in the Plan will not relieve participants of any income tax which may be payable on such dividends or distributions.

In the case of stockholders, such as banks, brokers or nominees, that hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Agent will administer the Plan on the basis of the number of shares certified from time to time by the stockholder as representing the total amount registered in the stockholder's name and held for the account of beneficial owners who are participating in the Plan.

Stockholders who do not wish to have Distributions automatically reinvested should notify the Plan Agent in writing. There is no penalty for non-participation or withdrawal from the Plan, and stockholders who have previously withdrawn from the Plan may rejoin at any time. Requests for additional information or any correspondence concerning the Plan should be directed to the Plan Agent at:

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.
Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43006
Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3006
1 (800) 231-2608
Monday–Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (EDT)


47


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

U.S. Customer Privacy Notice  April 2021

FACTS

 

WHAT DOES MSIM DO WITH YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION?

 

Why?

 

Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share, and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.

 

What?

  The types of personal information we collect and share depend on the product or service you have with us. This information can include:
Social Security number and income
investment experience and risk tolerance
checking account number and wire transfer instructions
 

How?

 

All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information; the reasons MSIM chooses to share; and whether you can limit this sharing.

 

 

Reasons we can share your personal information

 

Does MSIM share?

 

Can you limit this sharing?

 
For our everyday business purposes —
such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders and legal investigations, or report to credit bureaus
 

Yes

 

No

 
For our marketing purposes —
to offer our products and services to you
 

Yes

 

No

 

For joint marketing with other financial companies

 

No

 

We don't share

 
For our investment management affiliates' everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions, experiences, and creditworthiness
 

Yes

 

Yes

 
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes —
information about your transactions and experiences
 

Yes

 

No

 
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes —
information about your creditworthiness
 

No

 

We don't share

 


48


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

U.S. Customer Privacy Notice (cont'd)  April 2021

Reasons we can share your personal information

 

Does MSIM share?

 

Can you limit this sharing?

 

For our investment management affiliates to market to you

 

Yes

 

Yes

 

For our affiliates to market to you

 

No

 

We don't share

 

For non-affiliates to market to you

 

No

 

We don't share

 

 

To limit our sharing

  Call toll-free (844) 312-6327 or email: imprivacyinquiries@morganstanley.com
Please note:
If you are a new customer, we can begin sharing your information 30 days from the date we sent this notice. When you are no longer our customer, we continue to share your information as described in this notice. However, you can contact us at any time to limit our sharing.
 

Questions?

 

Call toll-free (844) 312-6327 or email: imprivacyinquiries@morganstanley.com

 

Who we are

Who is providing this notice?

  Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. and its investment management affiliates ("MSIM") (see Investment Management Affiliates definition below)  

What we do

How does MSIM protect my personal information?

 

To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings. We have policies governing the proper handling of customer information by personnel and requiring third parties that provide support to adhere to appropriate security standards with respect to such information.

 

How does MSIM collect my personal information?

  We collect your personal information, for example, when you
open an account or make deposits or withdrawals from your account
buy securities from us or make a wire transfer
give us your contact information
We also collect your personal information from others, such as credit bureaus, affiliates, or other companies.
 


49


Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

June 30, 2023 (unaudited)

U.S. Customer Privacy Notice (cont'd)  April 2021

What we do

Why can't I limit all sharing?

  Federal law gives you the right to limit only
sharing for affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness
affiliates from using your information to market to you
sharing for non-affiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing. See below for more on your rights under state law.
 

Definitions

Investment Management Affiliates

 

MSIM Investment Management Affiliates include registered investment advisers, registered broker/dealers, and registered and unregistered funds in the Investment Management Division. Investment Management Affiliates does not include entities associated with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, such as Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co.

 

Affiliates

  Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and non-financial companies.
Our affiliates include companies with a Morgan Stanley name and financial companies such as Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co.
 

Non-affiliates

  Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and non-financial companies.
MSIM does not share with non-affiliates so they can market to you.
 

Joint marketing

  A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you.
MSIM doesn't jointly market
 

Other important information

Vermont: Except as permitted by law, we will not share personal information we collect about Vermont residents with Non-affiliates unless you provide us with your written consent to share such information.

California: Except as permitted by law, we will not share personal information we collect about California residents with Non-affiliates and we will limit sharing such personal information with our Affiliates to comply with California privacy laws that apply to us.


50


Directors

Frank L. Bowman
Frances L. Cashman
Kathleen A. Dennis
Nancy C. Everett
Eddie A. Grier
Jakki L. Haussler
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
Joseph J. Kearns
Michael F. Klein
Patricia A. Maleski
W. Allen Reed, Chair of the Board

Officers

John H. Gernon
President and Principal Executive Officer

Deidre A. Downes
Chief Compliance Officer

Francis J. Smith
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer

Mary E. Mullin
Secretary

Michael J. Key
Vice President

Adviser and Administrator

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
522 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10036

Sub-Adviser

Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited
25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf
London, E14 4QA, England

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114

Stockholder Servicing Agent

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, Kentucky 40233

Legal Counsel

Dechert LLP
1095 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036

Counsel to the Independent Directors

Perkins Coie LLP
1155 Avenue of the Americas,
22nd Floor
New York, New York 10036

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02116

For additional Fund information, including the Fund's net asset value per share and information regarding the investments comprising the Fund's portfolio, please call toll free 1 (800) 231-2608 or visit our website at www.morganstanley.com/im/closedendfundsshareholderreports. All investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal.

© 2023 Morgan Stanley

  CEMSDSAN
5856971 EXP 08.31.24
 

 

Item 2. Code of Ethics.

 

Not applicable for semiannual reports.
 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

 

Not applicable for semiannual reports.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Not applicable for semiannual reports.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.

 

Not applicable for semiannual reports.
 

Item 6.

 

(a) See Item 1.

 

(b) Not applicable.

  

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

Not applicable for semiannual reports.

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies

 

Applicable only to annual reports filed by closed-end funds.

 

Item 9. Closed-End Fund Repurchases

 

REGISTRANT PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Period  (a) Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased
  (b) Average Price Paid
per Share (or Unit)
   (c) Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased as
Part of Publicly Announced
Plans or Programs
  (d) Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar Value)
of Shares (or Units) that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans or
Programs
January 2023  N/A       N/A  N/A
February 2023  N/A       N/A  N/A
March 2023 

28,296

       N/A  N/A
April 2023 

12,746

       N/A  N/A
May 2023 

117,260

       N/A  N/A
June 2023 

20,053

       N/A  N/A
Total 

178,355

  $

6.51

   N/A  N/A

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominee to the Fund’s Board of Directors since the Fund last provided disclosure in response to this item.

 

 

 

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures

 

(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are sufficient to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, based upon such officers' evaluation of these controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of the report.

 

(b) There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

  

Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.

 

(a) For the Semi-Annual period June 30, 2023, the Fund earned income and incurred the following costs and expenses as a result of its securities lending activities:

 

Fund   Gross
Income1
   Revenue
Split2
   Cash
Collateral
Management
Fees3
   Administration
Fees4
   Indemnification
Fees5
   Rebates
to
Borrowers
   Other
Fees
   Total
Costs of
the
Securities
Lending
Activities
   Net
Income
from the
Securities
Lending
Activities
 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

   $2,000   $@   N/A   N/A   N/A   $

2,000

   N/A   $2,000   $@ 

 

 

@ Value is less than $500.

1 Gross income includes income from the reinvestment of cash collateral.

2 Revenue split represents the share of revenue generated by the securities lending program and paid to State Street.

3 Cash collateral management fees include fees deducted from a pooled cash collateral reinvestment vehicle that are not included in the revenue split.

4 These administrative fees are not included in the revenue split.

5 These indemnification fees are not included in the revenue split.

 

(b)Pursuant to an agreement between the Fund and State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), the Fund may lend its securities through State Street as securities lending agent to certain qualified borrowers. As securities lending agent of the Fund, State Street administers the Fund’s securities lending program. These services include arranging the loans of securities with approved borrowers and their return to the Fund upon loan termination, negotiating the terms of such loans, selecting the securities to be loaned and monitoring dividend activity relating to loaned securities. State Street also marks to market daily the value of loaned securities and collateral and may require additional collateral as necessary from borrowers. State Street may also, in its capacity as securities lending agent, invest cash received as collateral in pre-approved investments in accordance with the Securities Lending Authorization Agreement. State Street maintains records of loans made and income derived therefrom and makes available such records that the Fund deems necessary to monitor the securities lending program.

 

Item 13. Exhibits

 

(a) Code of Ethics – Not applicable for semiannual reports.

 

(b) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer of the registrant as part of EX-99.CERT.

 

(c) Section 906 certification 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

/s/ John H. Gernon  
John H. Gernon  
Principal Executive Officer  
August 17, 2023  

 

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ John H. Gernon  
John H. Gernon  
Principal Executive Officer  
August 17, 2023  

 

/s/ Francis J. Smith  
Francis J. Smith  
Principal Financial Officer  
August 17, 2023  

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.CERT

 

EXHIBIT 13 B1

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, John H. Gernon, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 17, 2023  
   
  /s/ John H. Gernon
  John H. Gernon
  Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 13 B2

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

  

CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Francis J. Smith, certify that:

 

1. I have reviewed this report on Form N-CSR of Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.;

 

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, changes in net assets, and cash flows (if the financial statements are required to include a statement of cash flows) of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the Investment Company Act of 1940) for the registrant and have:

 

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

c) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this report based on such evaluation; and

 

d) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Date: August 17, 2023  
   
  /s/ Francis J. Smith
  Francis J. Smith
  Principal Financial Officer

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.906CERT

 

EXHIBIT 13 C1

 

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

  

 In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the “Report”) of the above-named issuer for the period ended June 30, 2023 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

 

 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.

 

Date: August 17, 2023

 

/s/ John H. Gernon
  John H. Gernon
  Principal Executive Officer

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT 13 C2

 

SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc.

 

 In connection with the Report on Form N-CSR (the “Report”) of the above-named issuer for the period ended June 30, 2023 that is accompanied by this certification, the undersigned hereby certifies that:

 

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.

 

Date: August 17, 2023

 

/s/ Francis J. Smith
  Francis J. Smith
  Principal Financial Officer

 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. and will be retained by Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Debt Fund, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 


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