She added that in October, global trade numbers were up for the first time in many months. Germany Finance Minister Christian Lindner acknowledged the economic difficulties his country is currently facing after a long period of strong growth. He said that the year 2023 was "a call for action" and said challenges include the rise of artificial intelligence and the threat of fragmentation in the global economy. We may be moving towards normalization but not normal because trade growth is still trending below GDP growth," she noted. In his closing remarks on Friday, WEF President Borge Brende called for global cooperation to fight today's challenges.

Source: International New York Times January 21, 2024 14:53 UTC