Rise in protectionism deserves more attention, Kuroda says

xxxx: Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda attends a seminar at the International Monetary Fund - World Bank Group Annual Meeting 2018 in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia October 13, 2018. — Reuters

TOKYO: In the face of growing protectionism, it is essential to continue international dialogue with renewed recognition of the importance of free trade, Bank of Japan (BoJ) governor Haruhiko Kuroda said.

The global economy has continued to expand but if trade tensions are prolonged or intensify they could hurt the real economy and financial markets, not only through trade activities but also through deterioration in sentiment among businesses and households, Kuroda said at a Group of 30 event in Bali, Indonesia.