China’s economy has been moderate in 2012, with a GDP growth of about 8 percent. Macroeconomic policies helped to maintain sustainable growth and continued to be adjusted in line with evolving conditions. The 2012 fiscal stance balanced the past stimulus with the growing economy. The...

This 2012 Article IV Consultation highlights that three years after the sudden end of Montenegro’s boom, there has been considerable progress toward recovery. Fiscal imbalances have proved difficult to rein in, reflecting a large fall in revenue after the collapse of the boom. Executive...

Growth in Romania is likely to moderate in 2012, weighed down by the euro area slowdown. The Fifth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement highlights that Romania’s overall track record under the program continues to be strong. All performance criteria for the fifth program review were met,...

The New Zealand economy continues to grow at a modest pace. The 2012 Article IV Consultation reports that domestic demand has remained soft as households and businesses continue to deleverage amid a weak housing market and an uncertain outlook. Executive Directors endorse that output growth...

Colombia’s very strong track record of macroeconomic policy management, underpinned by robust fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, has reduced vulnerabilities in recent years and helped weather the global financial crisis. The authorities’ policy focus has shifted from supporting...

Morocco’s track record of sound economic policies helped it withstand the recent economic crisis and regional social events. High oil prices have contributed to a build-up of fiscal and external pressures, but the government has taken action to address these vulnerabilities and are...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review for Kenya under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). Program implementation during the first half of 2011 was in line with the objectives. All quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets for June 2011 have been met. The...

The 2012 Article IV Report on Ireland’s economy under the Extended Arrangement analyzes the banking crisis and Irish authorities’ steadfast efforts to restore stability. Public debt has been high, and the banking system has not served the financial needs of both households and the...

The Staff Report for the 2011 Article IV Consultation found the macroeconomic performance of the Central African Republic (CAR) satisfactory despite its below-average growth compared with other countries of the region. The report has identified lack of resources, institutional frailties,...

The 2011 Article IV Consultation reports that Panama’s economy has rebounded strongly from the 2009 slowdown, and is one of the fastest-growing in the region. Rapid growth and prudent fiscal policy have lowered public debt to less than 40 percent of GDP, and rating agencies have placed...