TOKYO, April 14: High oil prices, rising interest rates and Chinese currency reform will top the agenda of an upcoming Group of Seven finance ministers meeting, Japan said on Friday.

The finance chiefs from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States will hold talks in Washington on April 21, just ahead of gatherings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

As one risk factor (for the global economy) is crude oil prices which remain at high levels, I will closely watch how each G7 countries discusses the issue, Japanese Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki told reporters.

Global currency developments and interest rates will remain big issues in the Group of Seven, added Tanigaki, when asked whether the Chinese yuan’s limited flexibility would be a topic at the meeting.—AFP