Growth and poverty reduction in developing countries during the post-crisis period was the main topic of a seminar in the capital city of Hanoi on March 22.

The seminar was jointly organised by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

SBV Governor Nguyen Van Giau said the seminar served as an opportunity for developing Asian nations to share experiences in escaping from the crisis and assess the role of financial institutions and donors in this effort.

The global economic crisis adversely affected economies worldwide, causing falling global demand, increasing pressure on state budgets, budget deficits and low national reserves.

However, Asian nations have led the world in terms of recovery by adopting policies to create macro-economic stability, boosting the flow of domestic investment in transport, energy and telecommunications, and ensuring social security, especially for those vulnerable to the crisis.

IMF First Deputy General Director John Lipsky told participants that Asia is a dynamic region in the world, but it is facing a challenge, as its development gap remains large.

Internal strength, financial potential and effective banking operations have been decisive factors helping Asian countries recover rapidly from the crisis, he said.

Experts suggested the regional nations make the best of resources provided by financial institutions and donors as they face the challenges ahead./.