G20 leaders agree to fight protectionism, begin plenary session

Source: Xinhua | 04-02-2009 19:00

LONDON, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the Group of 20 (G-20) have agreed to fight protectionism as they started their first plenary session after a working breakfast here on Thursday to search for a global solution to the global economic and financial crisis.

In a brief opening statement, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown outlined a working plan for the discussion, calling on leaders to finalize the joint communique which covers banking regulations.

Brown said the world leaders attending summit are anxious to reach agreements on major points, including a joint call to resist protectionism, and to strengthen financial regulation.

On Wednesday, Brown said he was confident that the summit will produce consensus on a global plan for economic recovery and reform. "We are within a few hours, I think, of agreeing a global plan for economic recovery and reform and I think the significance of this is that we are looking at every aspect."

The leaders are expected to have a busy day of intensive talks, which started with Brown hosting a working breakfast, followed by two plenary sessions. A joint communique will be issued at the end of the summit.