Global economy improving thanks to G20 anti-crisis measures - Putin
STRELNA. Sept 5 (Interfax) - The anti-crisis measures approved by the G20 group of countries have produced significant improvement in the global economy, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"Thanks to the measures that were taken, the situation has improved substantially. Today the most acute of those problems that were identified have been resolved or are under control," Putin said in opening remarks at the G20 Summit working session devoted to economic growth and the global economy.
Putin said he was referring to such serious problems as a reduction in budget deficits and levels of state debt in developed countries, including Europe, as well as the removal of gaps in financial regulation and the shortage of International Monetary Fund (IMF) resources.
However, the Russian president said, it is still too early to rest easy. The IMF recently lowered its forecast for global economic growth in 2013 to 3.1%, whereas a year ago estimates hovered around 4%.
"Our main task is to return the economy to sustainable, balanced development. This task is, unfortunately, not yet complete, which means risks of a sharp crisis relapse remain," Putin said.
