Markets

Advisory Commission Blasts IMF

By Martin Crutsinger WASHINGTON (AP) -- The 182-nation International Monetary Fund, which was widely criticized for its handling of the 1997-98 global currency crisis, needs to be drastically reformed, a blue ribbon advisory commission is telling Congress.

Export Credit Agencies: The Hidden Agents of Corporate Globalization

Export Credit Agencies: The Hidden Agents of Corporate Globalization www.eca-watch.org

Summers Hopes Europe Will Find Right IMF Candidate

WASHINGTON, Feb 29 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers stressed that Washington did not oppose a European at the head of the IMF on Tuesday, but urged Europe to come up with the right person for the top-flight job.

U.S., Europe at Odds Over IMF Chief

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - The Clinton administration told Congress today that the International Monetary Fund, which was heavily criticized for its handling of the Asian financial crisis, has begun to implement significant reforms.

World Bank Chief says Debt Relief Would "Screw Up" Market

MANILA, Feb 26 (AFP) - Using Christianity's Jubilee year as a platform to press for debt relief for the world's developing countries is "whimsical" and could "screw up the market," World Bank president James Wolfensohn said here Saturday.

WTO Starts Negotiations on Liberalising Services

GENEVA, Feb 25 (Reuters) - World Trade Organisation delegates began negotiations on Friday to try to draw up a framework for liberalising trade in services.

WTO Protesters Eye the Capital

By REBECCA SINDERBRAND Associated Press Writer WASHINGTON (AP) - Many of the same activists who protested World Trade Organization talks in Seattle last year have picked a new venue for mass demonstrations - this time, within shouting distance of the White House.

Development: Forgiving a Dying Man""s Debt Isn""t Enough, Says OAU President

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Development: West Shares Blame for Cronyism, Corruption

Bangkok, Feb 19 (IPS/Ranjit Dev Raj) -- Western countries and multilateral agencies that have been blaming the financial ills of developing economies on cronyism and corruption, saw fingers being pointed right back at them at the UNCTAD X conference here.

Reckonings; An American Pie

The New York Times / By PAUL KRUGMAN Talk about globalization. Michel Camdessus probably knew that his last speech as managing director of the International Monetary Fund might be accompanied by some protests. But he surely did not expect an American activist to follow him to Bangkok and throw a cream pie in his face.