Russia to seek ways to improve the global economy during its G20 presidency - Kremlin
MOSCOW. Nov 26 (Interfax) - At the September 2013 G20 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia will seek practical solutions designed to improve the global economy, the Kremlin's chief of staff Sergei Ivanov said on Monday.
"Our key task is to focus G20 efforts not just toward debates on urgent problems, but, in the first place, towards practical solutions aimed at improving the global economy and finances, stimulating economic growth and creating new jobs," Ivanov said during the final session of the organizing committee charged with preparing and ensuring the success of Russia's G20 presidency that begins on December 1, 2012 and ends in December 2013. Plans include boosting investment activities through new incentives and expanding employment, including for the least protected social groups, among priority targets.
Regulating the financial sector and improving the work of the International Monetary Fund will top the Russian-proposed agenda for the next G20 summit, Ivanov said.
He pinpointed the need to strengthen the role of developing economies in the IMF. "In this connection, we suggest holding a separate working meeting of BRICS member states ahead of the summit," Ivanov said.
During its G20 presidency, Russia intends to launch broad consultations with international organizations and experts as well as non G20 countries in the "outreach" format, he said, adding that this is needed to promote effective solutions not just for G20 countries but for the entire global economy.
A business, civic and youth summits and a forum of trade union leaders in the "outreach" format are also being planned, Ivanov said.
"This will help us draft a clear-cut and result-oriented G20 document specifying both collective moves and individual steps at a national level to ensure the sustainable and balanced global economic development," the Kremlin's chief of staff said.