Most cases, I would say, in a huge amount of cases, countries that have worked with us and have used our financial facilities have come out quick... more quickly and in a better shape from a crisis than would have come out otherwise.

And then you might decide that the country can just spend maybe years or decades to regain that credit, or maybe give that county the support, the financial support that the market is not willing not do.

We have seen a strong increase in oil prices and up to this year we see that the world has been able to absorb that.

Masood Ahmed brings to the position of director of external relations extensive experience gained in a range of senior positions in international finance and development.