OECD’s Gurría congratulates new IMF head Lagarde

Paris, France- OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría has congratulated Christine Lagarde on her appointment as the IMF’s next Managing Director.

Her selection was “a well deserved recognition of the leadership and qualities she has demonstrated as a minister of finance and during France’s presidency of the G20,” he said.

In a letter to Ms. Lagarde, Mr. Gurría said:

“You will be assuming your new position in a difficult economic context. The global recovery, while becoming self-sustaining and broader-based, is uneven, unemployment remains high, imbalances are re-emerging and inflation pressures are building. The two-speed growth of the world economy and the actions needed to address sovereign debt are creating increased social pressures, and persistent and re-emerging imbalances are a reminder that the crisis in not yet over. I am sure your experience and skills will help achieve stronger and sustainable growth and macroeconomic stability.”

Mr. Gurría added that the OECD stands ready to enhance the existing close collaboration between the OECD and the IMF and to build on the experience his Organisation has had in working with Ms. Lagarde in her previous position and within the G20.