IMF raises voice to address anti-globalisation anger

IMF raised its forecast for global economic growth to 3.5% for this year

As the global recovery gathers pace, the IMF is turning up the volume on its call for wealthy countries to address popular anger over the impact of globalisation and head off the threat of protectionism.

The renewed push comes as finance ministers from 189 countries gather for the fund’s semiannual meeting today and Saturday, in a tense atmosphere of rising anti-trade rhetoric in many advanced economies.

“This sentiment of populism in the views of many is fuelled by the feeling of being excluded, or being left out,” IMF managing director Christine Lagarde said Thursday night.

“What better than more growth, more equitably shared,