France’s Christine Lagarde voted as new IMF chief
Reforms sought by countries outside the European bloc, which include Australia, appeared to have missed the mark as the International Monetary Fund board voted on Tuesday to seat its new managing director, Christine Lagarde of France, and keep control of the influential financial institution on the Euro side. REUTERS

French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde, a leading contestant of the chief job post for Indian Monetary Fund (IMF) chief post, said on Thursday, that she was very satisfied with her meetings with top Chinese officials.

Lagarde, who is in Beijing as part of a whirlwind world tour to rally support for her IMF candidacy, is considered the favorite to replace former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn after he was arrested last month on rape charges. She met Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and central bank chief Zhou Xiaochuan on Wednesday, a Reuters report stated.

Lagarde said the selection process of the new IMF head should be open, transparent and merit-based, adding that reform of the IMF should continue to benefit emerging economies that are under-represented, including China.

IMF China China International Monetary Fund