Goh Chok Tong: G20 should promote free trade between countries

The picture is Minister of State of Singapore and former premier Goh Chok Tong. (Photo source: CCTV) Rui interview with Singapore Minister of State Goh Chok Tong--CCTV2 "Economic Information" at the BRICS summit on April 14, CCTV financial channel host Rui an interview with Singapore Secretary of State, Singapore's former premier Goh Chok Tong.　　Goh Chok Tong said that the development of emerging economies is a good mechanism, the BRICS countries have more common interests and cooperation prospects, as many participants in the Boao Forum, Goh Chok Tong's speech, the Boao Forum has a leap-forward development.　　RUI: BRICS countries have not yet formed an international body, is now just an exchange platform, dialogue mechanism, do you think the BRICS countries need, or urgently need to form an international organization? Goh Chok Tong (Singapore): Like G20, every BRICS country is involved, which is a very important forum. This mechanism has been in operation for several years.　　But it remains to be seen how the future will evolve, a good start, encompassing emerging economies. Rui: Some people say that there is competition between BRICS countries and there are some difficulties in cooperating. For example, if you look at Brazil, you find that Brazilian currency inflation is fast, and there are also discussions about the strong inflationary expectations of the renminbi. So when the BRICS trade, there is the possibility of a protectionist dispute.　　There may be some minor difficulties or problems with the BRICS countries, but do you think there are more common interests and prospects for cooperation? Goh Chok Tong: We all know that protectionism is dangerous and that multilateral trade contributes to the world economy, but some countries sometimes adopt trade protection measures for specific industries and products. Not only do emerging economies do that, but countries in advanced economies will also take trade protection measures to reduce their unemployment rates. I think this time, like G20 played a certain role.　　It can promote free trade between countries, and when these countries meet, they will exert pressure on each other to promote competition in certain industries. Rui: Is it increasingly difficult to G20 this cooperative framework?　　With the international economic situation improving, it is far more difficult to reach a consensus among countries than during the financial crisis.　　Goh Chok Tong: Yes, there are still some problems and crises, and the stability of the financial system remains a major international issue, and inflation and commodity prices are issues that need to be G20, depending on what kind of issues G20 leaders set and how to discuss the issues. Rui: You have participated in many BOAO forums in different capacities, based on your personal experience, what are the milestones?　　Or is there a phenomenon that we call "the transfer of the world economy to Asia"? Goh Chok Tong: I think the Boao Forum has witnessed the escalation of the discussion, and the participants have gone beyond the scope of business, such as this year's theme of "inclusive development: a common agenda and new challenges", which isWell, because Asia's common challenges are being watched, I think this is one of the milestones of the Boao Forum, and how to make the forum more dependent on the Forum's agenda.