The World Bank and International Monetary Fund have opened their annual meeting in Washington, with debt relief high on the agenda.
During the opening session on Saturday, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz called for action in fighting poverty. He said thousands of people living in extreme poverty die every day from preventable diseases.
IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato said global growth has opened up opportunities and improved prospects all over the world, especially in the developing world.
Economic officials attending the two-day meeting are also to discuss a plan to cancel debts of 18 of the world's poorest nations, many which are in Africa. They are also expected to discuss high oil prices, trade deficits and other economic imbalances.
On Friday, finance ministers from the Group of Seven major industrialized nations met with officials from major emerging economies, including China and India.
During the opening session on Saturday, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz called for action in fighting poverty. He said thousands of people living in extreme poverty die every day from preventable diseases.
IMF Managing Director Rodrigo de Rato said global growth has opened up opportunities and improved prospects all over the world, especially in the developing world.
Economic officials attending the two-day meeting are also to discuss a plan to cancel debts of 18 of the world's poorest nations, many which are in Africa. They are also expected to discuss high oil prices, trade deficits and other economic imbalances.
On Friday, finance ministers from the Group of Seven major industrialized nations met with officials from major emerging economies, including China and India.