Ministry of Economy and Finance

Italian Presidency

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The G7 was born in 1975 as an informal forum of coordination among the world main industrialised countries (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and United States). The inclusion of Russia to the G7 in 1998 represented the first expansion of the group since Canada joined in 1976. The G8 was born. The G8 Presidency is taken on by each country in turn. Italy, holding the G8 Presidency throughout 2009, thus holds responsibility for hosting and organising the preparatory meetings needed to lead up to July’s Summit on La Maddalena, during which the Heads of State and Government of the countries taking part will be meeting prior to signing the Final Declarations. The process is managed by the Italian Presidency of the Council. With a specific focus on economic and financial issues, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance plays a crucial role. During the course of 2009, the Department of the Treasury will organise the G7/G8 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ meetings, also attended by the Director General of the Treasury who will serve as Minister’s Deputy. The Ministers and Governors’ meetings will conclude with the release of the Communiqué, the document that presents the decisions on measures to be adopted as well as recommendations to member countries and international organisations.

2009 G8 Summit Website

Finance Ministers' Meetings 2009