Finance Minister, Trevor A Manuel, MP will meet with the G7 Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors, in Essen, Germany on 9 February 2007 to discuss, amongst others, Bond Markets in Emerging Economies and Trade. Minister Manuel was invited by the G7, together with finance ministers from Brazil, India, Russia, China and Mexico.
The G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors comprising Germany (the current chair), Italy, France, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada and Japan meet regularly to discuss global financial and economic markets. The meeting will also discuss: Improving the stability of the global financial markets; Fiscal policy to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy; Good governance with respect to fiscal policy in Africa and IMF reform.
The Finance Ministers of India, Brazil, South Africa and China (IBSA-China) will convene a working session ahead of the G7 forum to discuss and consolidate a common approach on a range of economic and financial matters.
The G7 meeting coincides with the Opening of Parliament and the State of the Nation Address by President Thabo Mbeki on Friday 9 February. Minister Manuel regrets not being able to attend this important day on the South African calendar.