How can Asia raise its pitch at G20

The G20 summit is a process that is evolving and no one can predict exactly where it will end. The group was self appointed as the "premier forum for international economic cooperation", but there remain important questions related to membership, legitimacy, and agenda that need to be addressed.

In Pittsburgh, US President Barack Obama announced that the G20 would replace the G8, but this has not happened yet and the G8 met recently in Toronto, Canada, back to back with the G20 summit.

The next G20 summit is scheduled for November in Seoul, the first in Asia. This provides an opportunity for Asia to take actions so that it is represented effectively and heard properly at the meetings. Important decisions in relation to financial standards and codes are to be taken in Seoul, and Asian countries should be there in full force and speak with one voice.