Washington, DC
September 24, 2005
 
Mr. Chairman,

The Global Economy and Financial Markets—Outlook and Risks

The global expansion, albeit a bit moderate, continues to remain buoyant and well diversified. However, the balance of risk to the economic outlook, I am afraid, is primarily on the downside: Global current account imbalances remain stubborn, oil prices continue to rise, and protectionist tendencies are becoming stronger in advanced nations. Given the leading role that developing economies can potentially play in the current phase of global expansion, their success in maintaining macroeconomic stability, will determine the future pace of global expansion. But the sustained escalation of global energy prices will have a serious impact on price stability and also carries welfare implications for a large number of oil-importing developing countries. Combating high energy prices and reducing the damaging impact of such prices on growth prospects remain a top priority for most emerging market economies. 

Indian Economy

The Indian economy grew by almost 7 per cent in the last financial year and continues to be in a resilient mode. First quarter growth in April-June 2005 has been estimated at 7.1%. I am pleased to note that the recent World Economic Outlook has also revised the projection for India’s growth to 7.1 per cent for 2005, up by 0.3 percentage points from the last time. Despite unprecedented oil price increases, and revision of domestic retail prices, inflationary pressures have remained subdued. Domestic industry has been vibrant with the manufacturing sector growing at double-digit rates in recent months. The external sector continues to remain a major source of strength for the economy with foreign exchange reserves at comfortable levels. Maintaining inflation expectations in the current environment of high oil prices continues to be a priority for macro-stability. Fiscal consolidation remains high on the agenda for the Government. Infrastructure development is the primary focus of our developmental expenditure. 

Debt Relief

We welcome the recent initiatives taken by the IFIs to support low income countries with regard to operationalization of the G-8 proposal for cancellation of the outstanding debt stock of HIPC countries. The use of Fund resources should, consistent with the Articles of Agreement, ensure uniformity of treatment by broadening the coverage of the G-8 proposal to include all PRGF-eligible IDA-only members.

Another important issue is that the cost of debt cancellation should be financed on a sound basis. The capacity of the IFIs to provide concessional financial assistance to its members must continue to be preserved. On the Fund side, the soundness of the General Resources Account should be maintained without additional burden on the borrowers. On the Bank side, it is essential to ensure that no IDA recipient country is worse off following debt cancellation. Donors should therefore fully compensate IDA by way of binding commitments beyond IDA-14 framework on an agreed burden sharing basis.

Trade

After the failure of the Cancun Ministerial the forthcoming Hong Kong Ministerial Conference has become an important milestone for resolving all pending issues and providing a catalytic thrust to the unfinished agenda of the Doha round. The Global Monitoring Report (GMR) 2005 has estimated that freeing all merchandise trade and abolishing all trade distorting agricultural subsidies can boost global welfare annually by up to US$280 billion by 2015, with more than a third of the fresh gains accruing to developing countries. On the other hand, failure to ensure an ambitious and development oriented outcome can be counterproductive for the welfare of developing countries and their progress in achieving the MDGs. 

Aid Financing and Aid Effectiveness

The time has also come to consider preparation of Harmonized Country Aid Strategies over the medium term within a given set of parameters and constraints vis-à-vis the bilateral donors and multilateral agencies working in a particular country. The reduction of transaction costs and doing away with tied aid will enhance the efficiency of aid and transparency.

We look forward to all the donor nations honouring the commitment made at the Monterrey Conference for scaling up aid and achieving the targets set out for financing the MDGs. The recent consensus arrived at the UN Millenium Conference calling upon the developed countries to scale up their assistance to 0.5% of their GNI by 2010 needs to be adhered to. Following these comforting words, we would like to see action. 

Infrastructure

We welcome the signs of sustained revival in Bank financing of infrastructure investments and the increased presence of infrastructure in the Bank’s portfolio. However, the huge investment needs of the developing world calls for concerted efforts for enhancing all forms of investments, including private-sector financing and public-private partnerships. 

Voice and Participation of Developing and Transition countries

Mr. Chairman, a number of proposals have been mooted in recent years to strengthen the voice and representation of developing countries. The real issue is of political will. The momentum for the change has to come from the capitals, and it would be necessary to recalculate quotas on the basis of changed formulae with economically rational weights.

Thank you.