World Bank head pushes agenda ahead of G20

Published: 12:41PM Monday September 21, 2009 Source: Reuters

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -

The world's biggest economies should set an agenda for "responsible globalisation" linking balanced growth and financial stability with development and climate change at this week's G20 meeting, the head of the World Bank told the Financial Times.

US President Barack Obama said on Sunday he would push leaders at the Group of 20 meeting on September 24-25 to reshape the global economy after the financial crisis, while European officials pressed for a deal to curb bankers' pay at the summit in the former US steel making centre of Pittsburgh.

"The challenge for the G20 is how do you sustain the momentum and co-operation they were able to achieve when staring into the abyss at the time of the London summit as the crisis wanes?" Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, told the Financial Times in an interview published on Monday.

"I would like the G20 to talk about responsible globalisation. That would capture balanced global growth, financial stability, climate change, help for the poorest including our proposal for a new facility to help countries cope with economic shocks not of their own making."

The development bank head told the British business daily the rest of 2009 could exceed many economic expectations but warned of possible further economic gloom next year.

"I am more concerned about 2010. I am not forecasting a double dip, but we are not out of the woods yet," he said, adding that it was unclear whether private demand would be strong enough to make up for fading fiscal stimulus in 2010.

"We could help provide new sources ... by ensuring access to finance for some of the well-run middle income countries that have room to borrow more," he said.
 

  • Print this article
  • Text size + -
  • more...

Business News Video

Business News

Most Popular

  1. Strong quake hits Christchurch
  2. Tourist 'traumatised' by Wellington sexual assault
  3. Egypt counts votes, Brotherhood claims to lead
  4. Apple CEO gives up $75 million in dividend income
  5. Jury in Gwaze murder trial sent home

rssLatest News

Advertising

How do you want your news?

  • Mobile Devices

    TVNZ is available on mobile phones: Text TVNZ to 8869.

  • News Feeds

    See when TVNZ have added new content. You can get the latest headlines anywhere.

  • Podcasts

    Enjoy TVNZ on the move - a wide range of programmes and highlights are available.