White House Says Economic Growth Will Be Central Focus of G20 Finance Talks

Asheville — Restoring economic growth will be the central focus of the G20 finance ministers’ meeting, with the United States pushing members to place greater emphasis on wages and living standards, a senior White House official said Monday.

White House Senior Deputy Press Secretary Kush Desai said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would hold a series of meetings with counterparts during the gathering in Asheville, North Carolina.

“A big topic of discussion is going to be restoring economic growth as the north star of the G20,” Desai said.

He said Bessent’s discussions would focus on ways major economies can accelerate global growth while raising wages and improving living standards.

Desai linked the U.S. position at the G20 to President Donald Trump’s domestic economic agenda, which he said is aimed at boosting growth through tax cuts and reduced regulation.

“We’re really excited about the meetings that are coming up over the next couple of days here,” he said.

Desai said the administration expects the gathering to reflect a broader shift toward making economic growth the leading priority in international policy discussions.

“I think we’ll see a continued broader global realignment on getting growth to be our number one priority,” he said.

He contrasted the Trump administration’s approach with that of former President Joe Biden, criticizing what he described as the previous administration’s emphasis on broad climate goals.

Desai said the White House expects support for policies aimed at accelerating economic expansion and improving living standards in the United States and other major economies.

The meeting is also taking place amid geopolitical tensions and concerns about their potential effects on global energy markets.

Asked whether Iran and energy issues would feature in Bessent’s discussions, Desai said he expected those subjects to arise in conversations with other finance officials.

India is represented at the meeting by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Desai said he expected productive discussions between U.S. and Indian officials and pointed to India’s position as a large and rapidly growing economy.

He said India’s expansion could create additional opportunities for American companies and industries seeking access to new markets. (Source: IANS)