By Peter OBIORA InvestAdvocate

Lagos (INVESTADVOCATE)- Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Sunday  called on the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders to implement growth strategies that would lift their collective Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by at least 2.1 percent by 2018.

This is coming on the heels of the conclusion of the G20 Leaders Summit in Brisbane, Australia.

“Decisive policy action by all is key to making growth strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive, and to create needed jobs. I strongly welcome the determination of G20 members to implement growth strategies that we calculate would lift their collective GDP by at least 2.1 percent by 2018. This is a commendable effort, with significant benefits for the global economy. Implementation is now critical, with a strong accountability framework to monitor progress, supported by the IMF,’’ she said.

According to the IMF chief, this has been a very productive one for the G20 and the Group has also brought focus in a number of important areas that will contribute to growth.

She affirmed that progress was made on infrastructure investment, including by creating a Global Infrastructure Hub in Australia, ‘’and the IMF will continue to contribute to this important area of the G20’s work. I was also encouraged by the G20 members’ intention to work towards a stronger trading system,’’ the IMF MD added.

She says trade is an essential component of the global policy agenda and there are huge potential gains to be made through further integration. Lagarde also commended the Group leaders in the areas of financial regulation and international taxation, which she said the G20 made commendable progress.

“I am very pleased that the G20 has agreed to reduce the gender gap in labour market participation by 25 percent by 2025. This will not only bring 100 million more women into the labour force, but also significantly increase global growth and reduce poverty and inequality,’’ she affirmed.

The IMF chief further affirmed the G20 also supported the Fund’s efforts, working with all its partners and donors, to increase support for the countries most affected by the scourge of Ebola, including through debt relief.

She strongly endorsed the agreement of the Group urging all its member countries to implement the Fund’s 2010 Quota and Governance Reform as soon as possible.