Transcript of Statement by Kristalina Georgieva

IMF News, September 25, 2019

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Published: September 25, 2019

Announcement and opening remarks

Kristalina Georgieva thanked the Fund's shareholders and the Executive Board for their trust.
She acknowledged Christine Lagarde as her predecessor, noting "Her vision, her leadership contributed so much to the success of the Fund over the last years."
She described the IMF as "an unique institution" with "tremendous history" and "wonderful, hardworking, highly-committed staff."
She stated: "I'm very very excited, very proud to be joining you."

Immediate priorities and role of the Fund

Immediate priority: "to help members minimize the risk of crisis, and be ready to cope with downturns, should they occur."
Emphasis on the Fund's mandate: forging "a path to stability and sustainable growth."
Commitment to being "well resourced, well governed, always evenhanded, forward looking, and attentive to the needs of all our members--- big and small, rich and poor."

Global challenges identified

"Global economic growth continues to disappoint."
"Trade tensions persist."
"Debt burdens are rising in many countries."
Warning that "warning signs are flashing and we must be ready to be tested."
Long-term challenges to address: "inequalities, climate risks, rapid technological change."

Long-term objectives and policy foundations

Focus on building "stronger economies, and improve people's lives on the foundation of sound monetary, fiscal, and structural policies."
Commitment to work "with my team with you and all others in this building" to strengthen the Fund.

Engagement and membership

Georgieva: "I look forward to working with all our countries 189 members, all or them."
Personal commitment: "I will start officially on October 1st. But as you can see I am already here, sleeves rolled, ready to work."

Press and contact details

IMF Communications Department, MEDIA RELATIONS
PRESS OFFICER: Keiko Utsunomiya Kutsunomiya@imf.org
Phone: +1 202 623-7100
Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
Twitter: @IMFSpokesperson

Transcript of Statement by Kristalina Georgieva, September 25, 2019

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