Commonwealth Finance Ministers to meet in Guyana

The Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting (CFMM) this year will be held in Georgetown, Guyana from 15 to 17 October 2007.

The meeting, to be held at the Guyana International Convention Centre (GICC), will bring together ministers and delegates from 52 member countries.

The CFMM, which takes place just before Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, will be on the theme 'Climate Change: The Challenges Facing Finance Ministers.'

"Climate change is a major global development challenge which requires urgent action," said Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon.

Ministers will consider the implications of climate change particularly those from the poorest and most vulnerable member states.

"I hope that at the end of the meeting, ministers will have a better appreciation of the development challenges posed by climate change, including those relating to their portfolio responsibilities and how to address them," Mr McKinnon added.

Other issues for discussion include current trends in the world economy, in particular, the possible risks to the global economy from the recent turbulence in the global markets and a possible increase in protectionism, should the Doha Trade Round fail to be concluded by the end of the year. Ministers will also address special challenges facing small vulnerable economies, as well as Commonwealth Development Co-operation.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Guyana