Finland Times

     "The commitments made to date as part of these strategies have the potential to raise the collective GDP of the G20 by about 1.8 percent by 2018, compared to the 2 percent goal set earlier this year in Sydney," Lagarde said in a statement at the conclusion of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting in Cairns, Australia.

     "This is an important achievement, and final efforts should be made to reach the agreed goal," the IMF chief added.

     Despite the global recovery in progress, the growth remains slow and uneven, in part given the increased geopolitical tensions and risks caused by the financial market turmoil. Promoting economic policies that can contribute to a more robust and job-rich recovery is therefore critical at this stage, she said.

     "Determined implementation will be crucial in the years to come...the IMF is ready to help in monitoring the effort. The Fund will continue to support sound monetary and fiscal policies, including through the analysis of spillovers, to promote broad and equitable growth," according to the statement.

     Lagarde also urged member countries to push for rapid progress and implementation of the IMF's 2010 Quota and Governance Reform.