By Kim Sue-young
Staff Reporter
The upcoming G20 Summit slated for November in Seoul will likely focus on discussing financial and energy issues, as well as establishing a cooperation framework for sustainable growth, a government official said Tuesday.
"It is necessary to discuss the challenges and pending issues facing the world," Choi Hee-nam, director of the presidential preparatory committee for the summit, said during a seminar in Seoul.
"Major agenda points in this summit are expected to include establishing a framework to achieve sustainable growth, revamping international financial institutes such as the International Monetary Fund and securing stability in the energy market."
Choi also said that participating countries are expected to discuss ways to strengthen the financial safety net and narrow the development gap between countries.
Choe Won-gi, assistant professor at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, advised that the country should show strong leadership to coordinate and mediate disputes among participating countries.
"I think that the country has to develop and suggest appropriate short-term goals in which member states can cooperate," he said.
Meanwhile, Yoon Deok-ryong, senior fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy in Seoul, suggested establishing a secretariat for systematic management for the international meeting.
Through these efforts, Korea can use the G20 Summit as a tool to enhance the national image and expand its influence in the international community, he said.