We have believed for many years, much earlier than anyone else was talking about this issue, that it was in the interest of China to evolve to a more flexible exchange rate system.

Masood Ahmed brings to the position of director of external relations extensive experience gained in a range of senior positions in international finance and development.

We would certainly encourage the Italian government to put forward an ambitious agenda of reform.

I mean, the world has already done a big, big effort to forget debt to countries heavily indebted and with low income. And that has given good chances to countries to get out of poverty.

So the American economy needs the world, and the world needs the American economy.

Oil prices have certainly become a threat for the world economy.

We also need a fund that can say 'no'.