The G-7 finance ministers and central bank governors will meet in Ottawa next month to discuss the state of the global economy, Minister of Finance Paul Martin announced today.

The meeting begins February 8 with a working dinner in Ottawa and continues the next day at Meech Lake. Martin, who is serving as chair of the G-7 this year, will chair both sessions.

Representatives from Russia and from Spain, which holds the presidency of the European Union, will also attend, although they will not participate in all discussions. Also participating in selected discussions will be the managing director of the International Monetary Fund and the president of the World Bank.

In addition to discussing the current global economic slowdown, the finance ministers and central bank governors will address issues concerning terrorist financing and international development.

“Any meeting of G-7 finance ministers and central bank governors is a valuable opportunity to share perspectives on the global economy,” Martin said. “Given the current economic climate, next month’s discussions will be particularly important.”