After the controversial Joseph Stiglitz and the brilliant Nicholas Stern, a relatively unknown French researcher rises from the ranks to the coveted post of chief economist and vice-president of the World Bank. But Francois Bourguignon has his heart in the right place. He emphasises that his motto is 'growth with equity'. And yes, he'd put his money on India in the future. Excerpts from an interview with Paromita Shastri:
Bank studies have found that while global per capita income has increased, inequalities have also sharpened despite liberalisation and globalisation. Why?
Cancun showed that in globalisation, some gain while others lose....
What is your position on the raging poverty debate?
There is also a growing concern that regional imbalances have increased.
How do you assess India's strengths and weaknesses?
As chief economist, where do you see the Bank's development strategy going?
Will India get a lot more FDI now?
