Better for Britain to stay in EU: IMF chief

The chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday said Britain would benefit most by staying in the EU.

"There is, in my view, a clear case as to how the UK has benefited -- and will continue to benefit -- from its membership in the European Union," Christine Lagarde told the IMF's Finance in Dialogue event here.

She said that she believes it's quite beneficial for Britain to vote to stay in EU, noting people should know that "there are the jobs and income gains" that have come from the increased trade within the EU.

"Being part of the EU has greatly aided the transformation of the UK into a dynamic and vibrant economy," she noted, adding "membership in the EU has made the UK a richer economy, but it has also made it a more diverse, more exciting, and more creative country."

Lagarde warned there are many risks in leaving, stressing "we have already been on record that the economic risks of leaving are firmly to the downside."

"As in all countries, there are people who are struggling in this new environment, but for the majority of citizens, the EU has been a great success story," she said. Enditem