16 November 2004

Treasurer to Attend G-20 in Berlin

The Treasurer will attend the Group of Twenty (G-20) Meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors which will be held in Berlin on 20-21 November 2004. This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the policy challenges facing the global economy.

Since its establishment in 1999, the G-20 has evolved to become a key forum driving the international economic and financial agenda. Representing two-thirds of the world’s population and 90 per cent of world GNP, the G-20 is an important forum for Australia’s participation on the international stage.

The G-20 comprises Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the G-7 plus Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, European Union, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey. The World Bank and the IMF are also represented.

The Treasurer will also undertake a series of bilateral meetings in London and Berlin.