Through my work at the Japanese Ministry of Finance, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Bank of Japan (BOJ), I have met many government officials and scholars from around the world. I learned a great deal from them.
One person I have kept in touch with since my earlier years is Michel Camdessus, former managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who has been instrumental in helping underdeveloped countries in Africa. As soon as he became managing director, he began working to establish the Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) for less developed countries. I greatly admire his passion.
