G20's role in global economy

The G20 should seek macroeconomic cooperation and coordination that reinvigorates an open and fair global trading system. There are many claiming the World Trade Organization Doha round of negotiations are already dead. So the G20 needs to make a commitment that they will not pursue protectionism. This is of the utmost importance to boost business confidence and it is the responsibility of G20 members to make contributions to ensure the Ninth WTO Ministerial Conference bears fruit, so a revived WTO can cement together the multilateral trading system.

The G20 should reform the current international financial system, especially international financial institutions created under the old Bretton Woods system, which are suffering from the woes of the members of the "rich club". Reluctant as they may be, there is no excuse for some economies greedily enjoying the benefits when times were good, and then forcing the whole world to suffer from their greed when times are bad. In order to increase the G20's credibility, it is vital for emerging economies to get their voices heard in the international financial institutions, such as the implementation of the 2010 IMF quota reform.

The G20 should revive the global development agenda, providing political support to the United Nations discussions. When the G20 leaders shake hands and make their toasts and sit down to enjoy their banquets in St. Petersburg, they need to bear in mind that more than 1 billion people will have an empty stomach. The world expects a strong signal from St. Petersburg showing the G20 countries are willing to be partners with the least developed countries and will endeavor to promote common development for all. The G20 should continue to support infrastructure building in low-income countries, focusing on the 11 priority projects initiated by the High Level Panel.

The G20 should also rebalance global growth through structural reforms. Global rebalancing is the responsibility of both deficit and surplus countries, and the priority is to work together to promote structural reforms and make the cake bigger and sweeter.

China is committed to global rebalancing and takes an active and responsible attitude. But one blossom does not make spring, and now it is the turn for other major economies to think and behave responsibly, to create a more balanced world economy together.

China has strong confidence in the G20, as well as in itself. It has made great efforts to contribute to global economic growth, with its own dynamic economic performance. And with its bigger footprint in the global economy, China will keep on advancing the G20 process, by striving to enhance coordination and cooperation among the G20 members, and seeking a bigger voice and fair treatment for emerging economies in the global governance system.

The author is director-general of the Department of International Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and former ambassador to the Netherlands.