The Forum of Government Borrowers in Saint-Petersburg
The finance ministers of the Group of Eight countries will discuss the issues of global economy and world oil markets development at their meeting in St.-Petersburg in June, Russia’s Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said.
ST. PETERSBURG, May 25, 2006 – PRIME-TASS - Speaking at the Forum of Government Borrowers, Alexei Kudrin said that the discussion would focus on the global economic growth in general. Besides, the issues of the world oil markets development and energy security will be considered. According to Kudrin, “Russia advances along the way of expansion and declassifying its resources. Russia needs to increase gradually its resources transparency”.

The participants of the meeting will also consider the issues of reducing poverty, including the development of energy infrastructure in the poorest countries. The issues related to combating epidemics, including vaccine production, will be discussed. Kudrin noted that the financial risks resulting in this connection “could affect some countries”. The education system development will be among the most essential issues of the agenda at the Finance Ministers’ meeting. Besides, the participants will deal with the topics of struggle against financial terrorism and the issues of the finance managing ability.

Alexei Kudrin noted that the role of donors in global economy would be considered at the meeting. “A number of countries - China, India and others - became major donors, so it is necessary to coordinate our efforts in the process of reducing poverty,” Kudrin said.