IMF, Korea to co-host high-level conference on Asia

I / Washington January 15, 2010, 15:12 IST

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) today announced to co-host a high-level international conference along with South Korea on Asia in Seoul later this year.

The two-day conference on July 12 and 13, will bring together leading heads from around the world to examine Asia’s economic dynamism and evolving role in international policy-making, IMF said in a statement.

Noting that Asia is at an important crossroads, IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said, "In a post-crisis world, Asia is well positioned to build on its strong macroeconomic track record and engage prominently in the debate on policy challenges facing the global economy.

"Built on the theme of 'transformation', the conference will present a significant opportunity for all key players to share their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Asia and the global economy in the next decade," he said.

The conference is expected to bring together more than 300 high-level participants, including prominent business leaders, financial market experts, academics, civil society representatives and journalists, as well as finance ministers, central bank governors and other senior policymakers, he said.

"As chair of the G-20 process in 2010, Korea will be playing a critical role in shaping the global economic policy agenda this year, including on IMF reforms," he said.

The key objectives of the conference are to articulate a shared vision and common agenda for Asia to support a strong global recovery, and showcase Asia’s success in economic management.

It is also aimed at examining Asia’s economic growth model, its prospects going forward, and the implications for the global economy.