G7 leaders expected to discuss free trade

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso has said he believes that the leaders of the Group of Seven nations will reaffirm the importance of promoting free trade at their summit later this month.

Aso was speaking to reporters on Saturday after the G7 finance ministers and central bank chiefs ended their meeting in Italy.

Economic inequality was a key topic at the meeting. Aso said the G7 nations will work to increase their economic strength so that the fruits of growth will be shared more widely.

Aso noted that when the Group of 20 nations held a meeting in March, there was concern over a possible rise in protectionism in the wake of comments by US President Donald Trump. But he said such concerns have subsided.

Aso said he believes that the G7 leaders will reaffirm that free trade has contributed to economic prosperity.

Source: NHK