13 October 2008

The Dutch Finance Minister Wouter Bos has criticised the US government's attitude to the financial crisis at the International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington. He says the Americans see the problems on the financial markets as a business hazard and not as an important economic problem that has to be resolved.

Mr Bos was surprised that top officials represented the government at important moments during the conference. He says the British do realise there is a need to monitor the financial sector more closely, but the Americans do not.

He was pleased with the appeal by the IMF members to play a more important role in shaping a new financial structure. If there has ever been an opportunity for the IMF to plan a leading role it is now.

Radio Netherlands/ Expatica