Vice Chancellor Wilhelm Molterer at the Annual World Bank and IMF Meeting

Austria’s Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Finance Wilhelm Molterer visited Washington, D.C. from October 19 - 21 to attend the 2007 Annual Meeting of the World Bank and IMF.

During his visit Minister Molterer also met with former Chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve Board Alan Greenspan as well as with Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors Edward Lazear to speak about the current economic situation, strategies for growth and employment and issues regarding climate and energy. Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Donald L. Kohn spoke on the worldwide financial markets and its latest turbulence. Vice Chancellor Molterer also met with Deputy-Secretary of the Treasury Robert Kimmitt to discuss further development of the transatlantic partnership as well as currency concerns.

Following the meetings Vice Chancellor Molterer also attended the 19th Annual Best Buddies Ball at the home of Eunice Shriver. This year the Ball was dedicated to the Alpine countries of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The Best Buddies initiative was created to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Vice Chancellor Molterer presented a voucher for a handicapped U.S. athlete invited to be honorary guest at the Hahnenkamm Race in Kitzbühel in 2008.