ISLAMABAD: World Bank Managing Director Sri Mulyani Indrawati on Tuesday underlined the importance of deepening Pakistan`s reforms and investments in priority development areas so that the country can achieve a higher level of economic growth to reduce extreme povertyandincreaseshared prosperity.

In a statement issued at the end of her three-day visit to Pakistan, she said that the priorities which was discussed with top government leaders include initiatives to improve people`s everyday lives such as energy, health, education and social safety net.

Additionally, expanding tax base and strengtheninggovernance and capacity of key institutions to support these services were also discussed during official meetings, she said.

She emphasised the importance of the private sector`s contributions to the growth and development of the country.

She pointed to the youth bulge as a potential asset for the country`s development, but to benefit from this would require improvements in education and training, including for girls and women.

Increasing numbers of young people in Pakistan mean job creation is a priority, and this will require improvements in the business and investment climate, privatisation, and tapping the potential of regional integration, Indrawati said.She held talks with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and heard updates on progress of economic reforms being implemented by the government. She also called on the prime minister.

Indrawati was apprised of women`s participation and the community-led approach in development projects being administered by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Balochistan. She met with the MDTF project beneficiaries and expressed a keen interest in women`s participation in the design and implementation of projects.

She was accompanied by Annette Dixon, Vice President for the South Asia Region of the World Bank during the visit.