The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
NEW DELHI, OCT 15, 2021
India recognises that universal vaccination is the key to stemming the spread of the virus, said Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman while asserting that the stark difference in vaccination coverage of low-income countries and advanced countries is of concern and it is critical that we need to address vaccine inequity.
Plenary Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the Annual Meetings 2021 held in Washington D.C. on Friday, Sitharaman emphasized importance of the multilateral approach with the principles of equity and common, but differentiated, responsibilities and capabilities to combat climate change. “It is important to recognize the formidable challenges faced by developing countries in getting access to affordable financing and technology,” she stressed.
The discussions at the meeting centered on “vaccinate, calibrate and accelerate” which is the theme of the Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda. The members of the IMFC elaborated the actions and measures taken by member countries to combat COVID-19 and facilitate economic recovery.
Before attending the IMFC Plenary meeting, Sitharaman had also participated in Restricted Breakfast Meeting of the International Monetary Fund.
Speaking on the issue of COVID-19 pandemic and the response of health care systems, the Finance Minister said that to win the war against COVID-19, it is imperative that we freely share medical research and develop adaptive, responsive, affordable, and accessible health care systems.
On the issue of COVID-19 vaccine availability and economic recovery, Sitharaman urged for greater equity in vaccine access and affordability as the world looked for a faster exit towards recovery and growth.
The Finance Minister also highlighted to all the participants that despite the pandemic crisis, India continued its agenda of structural reforms. Wide-ranging reforms, including in agriculture, labour and financial sector are expected to contribute towards acceleration of the economy.
