Leaders from the biggest industrialised nations are meeting their counterparts from the developing world, on the final day Chinese leader mending fences in Japan ...
Fight on malaria stepped-up ... of the G8 summit in Japan.

The Group of Eight has already been criticised by five emerging nations for not doing enough on climate change.

The so-called G5 - India, China, South Africa, Mexico and Brazil - will now meet G8 leaders face-to-face.

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he was "very pleased" with US relations after meeting President Bush.

It is thought the two were planning to discuss a stalled nuclear deal.

The US agreed to help India with its civil nuclear programme more than three years ago, but Mr Singh has faced fierce opposition from left-wing parties in his governing coalition.

Analysts say he is keen to announce some progress on the deal at the summit.

Undervalued currencies

Wednesday's talks are expected to focus on economic issues.

The G8 - Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the US - has already called for developing countries with large trade surpluses to ditch currency controls.

The BBC's Andrew Walker says industrialised nations believe less developed countries should allow their currencies to rise in value in order to reduce the surpluses.

It is thought the G8 leaders were speaking with China in mind - a country long accused of undervaluing its currency to fuel its export-led manufacturing industry.

Observers say the rising price of oil is also likely to feature in the talks.

The G8 leaders have already mentioned measures to curb the growth of demand for oil.

Our correspondent says some advisers believe developing countries should tackle rising prices by cutting fuel subsidies and allowing the prices paid by consumers to rise.

Sticky issue

On Tuesday delegates from the five leading emerging economies caused a stir by issuing a statement criticising the G8's pledge to reduce greenhouse emissions by 50% by 2050.

The G5 called for a reduction of 80%, saying it was "essential that developed countries take the lead in achieving ambitious and absolute greenhouse gas emission reductions".

The summit, in Toyako, northern Japan, has seen G8 leaders voicing concern about soaring oil and food prices, the situation in Zimbabwe, and the pace of aid being sent to Africa.

But climate change has been one of the stickiest issues - with the G8's position receiving a volley of criticism from both environmentalists and developing nations.

(BBC)

<< Back