## IMF Managing Director Lagarde Calls for Stronger Cooperation at G20 Summit

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [IMF Managing Director Lagarde Calls for Stronger Cooperation at G20 Summit](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/2019/g20-osaka)

## Other formats

- [Markdown version](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/2019/g20-osaka/index.md)
- [Structured JSON version](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/2019/g20-osaka/index.json)
- [Bundle manifest](/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/2019/g20-osaka/bundle-manifest.json)

### Media Inquiries

International Monetary Fund  
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific  
Press Officer: Yuko Maeda  
Tel: 81-(0)3-3597-6719  
Email: [oapmedia@imf.org](mailto:oapmedia@imf.org)

---

### Summit context and main message
- Event: G20 Summit, Osaka, Japan; statement dated June 29, 2019.
- Main call: Reduce trade barriers and strengthen international cooperation to achieve a more sustainable global economy.
- Assessment of global outlook: “the global economy has hit a rough patch” and “the risks to the outlook remain serious.”
- Concern: Tariffs already holding back the world economy and creating uncertainty for the future.
- Recommendation: “The priority should be to reduce obstacles to trade—new and old, tariffs and otherwise—and to address the underlying sources of trade tensions and distortions.”

### Trade policy focus and areas needing reform
- Urgent priorities identified:
  - Reduce obstacles to trade, including tariffs and non-tariff measures.
  - Address gaps in the international rule book.
- Specific rule-book areas highlighted:
  - Agricultural and industrial subsidies.
  - Services.
  - E-commerce.
- Rationale: Need for a trading system fit for today’s world to reduce uncertainty and support global growth.

### IMF engagement at the summit and institutional contributions
- Participation: IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde joined the G20 leaders’ summit and related events to present IMF views and ways the institution can help advance the G20 agenda.
- Activities:
  - Presented IMF contributions on gender issues at a special event on women’s empowerment.
  - Delivered a booklet on the IMF’s work on gender to Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
- Policy framing: Women’s economic empowerment described as “a game changer for global economic growth.”

### Bilateral meetings and diplomatic outreach
- Bilateral meetings and exchanges over two days included:
  - French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire.
  - Argentina’s President Mauricio Macri.
  - President Macky Sall of Senegal.
  - UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
- Additional conversations held with leaders of:
  - Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, the UK, and the US.
- Purpose: Exchange views on pressing issues in the global economy and foster ties with member countries.

### Local engagements and observations in Osaka
- Arrival and local activities:
  - Arrival in Osaka on June 27, 2019.
  - Participated in a reception organized by the Kansai Promotion Council.
  - Visited exhibition booths showcasing high-technology solutions addressing Japan’s aging-society challenges.
- Technology and entrepreneurship highlights:
  - Tried robotic gear developed by a venture business of the University of Wakayama to boost lifting power.
  - Tasted softened food prepared with a new machine for those who lose the ability to chew; commented: “It’s a new industry.”
- Cultural and diplomatic engagements:
  - Took part in the official welcome reception organized by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
  - Observed cultural performances and sampled Osaka cuisine presented through the host’s omotenashi.
- Closing remark: Expressed great appreciation to the host government, the city of Osaka and the people of Japan for their hospitality and for holding the summit.

---

## Content in this bundle

- [Women's Empowerment and the IMF (PDF)](/external/pubs/ft/gender/imfwomensempowerment.pdf){rel="external" type="application/pdf"}

---

## References

- [OAP Home](https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home)
- [Press Release](https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2019/06/29/pr19259-imf-managing-director-christine-lagarde-calls-for-stronger-international-cooperation)
- [June 29, 2019. Osaka, Japan](https://www.imf.org/en/videos/view/6057434101001)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/countries/resrep/oap-home/2019/g20-osaka_