Britain pledged Wednesday to "seize the opportunity" to revive global economic growth during its presidency of the Group of Eight (G8) leading industrial nations this year.
In a letter marking the start of Britain's presidency, Prime Minister David Cameron urged "bold steps" at a G8 summit scheduled to take place in June in Northern Ireland.
"This G8 will not be the kind of summit where we simply whip out a chequebook at the 11th hour, pledge some money and call it a success," wrote Cameron.
Britain would press for concrete moves in three key areas.
"At the heart of my agenda for the summit are three issues - advancing trade, ensuring tax compliance and promoting greater transparency," Cameron said.
On trade, the "single biggest prize of all" would be the beginning of negotiations on an EU-US trade agreement," said Cameron.
Cameron said the G8 grouping could make a "tangible difference by firing up economies and driving prosperity, not just in our own countries, but all over the world."
Britain will host the two-day summit in June at a golf resort near Enniskillen, in Northern Ireland, which will also be attended by the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Russia and Japan.