IMF chief to visit Asia

IMF chief to visit Asia

WASHINGTON: International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing
director Horst Koehler will visit China, Malaysia, and Thailand
in early September to discuss global and regional economic
issues, the IMF said on Monday.

Koehler will meet with senior officials and participate in the
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) finance ministers'
meeting in Phuket, Thailand on Sept. 4-5, according to an IMF
statement.

According to the IMF, Koehler will "exchange perspectives on
critical issues facing the global economy; discuss challenges
confronting the region; and reinforce the IMF's continued
engagement with Asia."

The IMF statement said Koehler is interested in the views of
Asian countries regarding various regional cooperation
initiatives as well as the Fund's ongoing work to reinforce
global economic and financial stability.

The statement did not provide a detailed itinerary for the
Asian tour.--AFP