French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde said that during her two day’s visit of in China, Chinese officials had been very interested in the proposals she made in connection with her nomination to the head of International Monetary Fund.
“Regarding my candidacy and my proposals, they listened very carefully. I think we’re on the same wavelength, ” said the minister during an exclusive interview with Chinese newspaper.
Lagarde also said in the interview that we should not expect revolutionary breakthrough on the issue of RMB exchange rate reform.
She stressed that the IMF should deal carefully with cultural differences in regard to foreign exchange and trade. The minister added that the IMF should not treat developing countries or emerging economies in the same way as developed countries on these issues.
The issue of exchange shall in any event not be politicized, observed the minister, who said she believed the yuan was moving towards full convertibility.
On the occasion of her visit to China, Lagarde met with Vice Premier Wang Qishan, the governor of China’s central bank Zhou Xiaochuan, Minister of Finance Xie Xuren and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.