IMF chief Christine Lagarde said escalating trade tensions could reverberate through the world economy, undermining confidence and choking off investment, urging the resolution of the disputes through dialogue. "Investment and trade are two key engines that are finally picking up. The outlook cites growing trade volumes and solid investment as driving the uptick in global growth to 3.9 percent this year and next. Lagarde again urged countries to "steer clear of all protectionism," saying that "unilateral trade restrictions have not proven helpful." "I hope that these IMF meetings will be marked by this spirit.

Source: The Nation Bangkok April 19, 2018 23:03 UTC