G20 summit progress despite differences

Source: Xinhua | 04-03-2009 08:10

LONDON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the Group of 20 (G20) have made progress in their close-door discussion for searching for a global solution to the financial crisis despite their differences, British officials said on Thursday.

"There have been differences between countries but what you are seeing is a determination to come together to make sure that we can resolve those differences," British Chancellor Alistair Darling was quoted in a Independent TV Network (ITN).

"There is a very, very positive attitude. There is a very great determination that we make substantial progress. That is what the world expects from us," Darling said.

Leaders are expected to agree on a 250-billion-dollar plan to support global trade, Darling said. "I think we are going to agree to increase the amount of trade guarantees by about 250 billion dollars. That will be a big help because the world trade is stalled at the moment," Darling said in a separate interview with British Broadcasting Company (BBC) on the sidelines of the G20 summit in London.

"For recovery to happen, we need world trade to be going on," he said, adding it was an indication that the G20 leaders are determined to act together.

In a brief opening statement, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown outlined a working plan for the discussion, calling on leaders to finalize the joint communique which covers banking regulations.

Brown said the world leaders attending summit are anxious to reach agreements on major points, including a joint call to resist protectionism, and to strengthen financial regulation.