This Selected Issues paper assesses the desired level of foreign exchange reserves in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, given its commitment to maintain the exchange rate peg. A variety of methods including popular rules of thumb, comparisons with other emerging countries, and...

The Gambian economy showed strong growth and low inflation during the global crisis under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), despite a sharp drop in tourism and remittance receipts. Executive Directors appreciated the macroeconomic policy framework and stressed the importance of achieving the...

Even though the global financial crisis hit Ukraine hard, the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) program managed to restore macroeconomic and financial stability. Executive Directors welcomed the new SBA aimed to consolidate public finances, restore banking system soundness, and develop a more robust...

The post-conflict economic stabilization in Liberia is now complete. Inflation pressure is easing owing to lower fuel and food prices, and there is a rebound in exports. Sound macroeconomic policies, strengthened institutions, and debt relief have stabilized the economy and have supported...

New Zealand rode out the global crisis better than most advanced economies, thanks to strong demand from fast-growing Asian markets and the robust Australian economy, a flexible exchange rate, the absence of a banking crisis, and significant and effective policy easing. This 2010 Article IV...

Economic activity appears to be recovering, underpinned by a strong policy response. Fiscal consolidation will be crucial to maintain debt sustainability and support the envisaged external adjustment over the medium term. Sound monetary and exchange rate policies are essential to maintain...

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Togo. The PRGF-supported program remains on track despite the shocks. All quantitative and structural performance criteria through end-June 2009 were met. All targets for...

The staff report on Belarus’ Third Review under the Stand-By Arrangement is examined. Belarus is beginning to emerge from the crisis. Output loss has been limited relative to neighbors, inflation has fallen, the foreign exchange market has stabilized, and de-dollarization is under way,...

This 2010 Article IV Consultation highlights that macroeconomic outcomes have weakened significantly for St. Lucia. Real GDP is estimated to have contracted by 5.2 percent in 2009, reflecting a sharp decline in visitor arrivals and construction activity related to foreign direct investment. For...

The effects of the global recession and decline in logging have undermined macroeconomic stability in the Solomon Islands. The government’s program offers a basis for resuming strong growth in a low inflation environment, helping to advance poverty alleviation efforts and achieve other...