By JAMES KUNDA –
ZAMBIA has backed International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde’s bid for a second term of office.
Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda said the country has strongly endorsed Ms Lagarde’s candidature because she has demonstrated professionalism, provided leadership and direction in tackling various policy issues of the IMF.
“She has demonstrated professionalism, provided quality leadership and direction in tackling various policy issues in the IMF.
“Above all, she restored the confidence in the leadership of the IMF. Her vision and the way she handled the current world economic crisis is exceptional,” Mr Chikwanda said.
This was according to a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday by Ministry of Finance public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta.
Mr Chikwanda said Zambia was of the belief that Ms Lagarde’s exceptional talent coupled with wide experience would provide invaluable leadership to the IMF in handling pressing global economic matters.
Among the countries that had already tendered their support for Ms Lagarde’s candidature, were Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Finland, Mexico, Netherlands and South Korea.
Others were Ireland, Norway, United Kingdom, United States of America, Singapore, Japan, Philippines and the Pacific Alliance.
