Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is gearing up for an official trip to Morocco, where she will participate in the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as engage in G20 meetings. Her journey, scheduled from October 10 to 15, will involve crucial discussions and bilateral meetings with several nations.
Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from Indonesia, Morocco, Brazil, Switzerland, Germany, and France. These engagements are essential for fostering international cooperation and addressing various economic and financial matters.
One of the highlights of her visit is co-chairing the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting, a prestigious event with the participation of 65 delegations from G20 countries, invitee nations, and international organizations. The discussions will encompass a wide array of global issues, including ways to strengthen Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and the crypto asset challenge. During the meeting, Volume 2 of the Report on strengthening MDBs by the Independent Expert Group will be disclosed.
In addition to these pivotal discussions, the visit will also involve participation in essential side events. Notably, on the sidelines of the fourth G20 FMCBG meeting, principals from the Indian G20 Presidency, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank will co-chair the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable on October 12, 2023. The roundtable aims to evaluate the progress made on debt restructuring and explore ways to support the work of G20 countries in this regard.
Furthermore, a high-level event organized by the USA Treasury will provide a platform for Sitharaman to engage in a Roundtable Discussion on "IMF policy priorities and how the institution should support its membership." This discussion holds immense significance as it will revolve around shaping IMF policies to better serve the needs of its member countries.
Sitharaman's participation extends to a discussion on the Partnership for "Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement" (RISE), which is organized by the G7 Japan Presidency. This initiative emphasizes the importance of enhancing supply chains for resilience and inclusivity, addressing a crucial aspect of economic development.
The Finance Minister's visit also includes a G7 Africa Ministerial Roundtable, focusing on the macroeconomic outlook. This event provides an opportunity to engage with African nations and share insights on the economic landscape.
In a session co-hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Center for Global Development, Sitharaman will deliver the keynote address on "MDBs evolution." This session is expected to shed light on the evolution and future direction of Multilateral Development Banks.
Sitharaman's visit to Morocco is a significant step in India's engagement with the global financial community. Her active participation in these meetings and discussions reflects India's commitment to shaping international financial policies and addressing crucial challenges. As she engages with counterparts from around the world, the outcomes of these deliberations will likely have far-reaching implications for the global economy and financial systems.
