This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that in recent years, the Indonesian economy has benefited from a supportive global economic environment, namely in the form of a rise in commodity prices and strong growth in emerging markets. However, these conditions have been less supportive...

Niger’s new Poverty Reduction Strategy (PDES) represents its overarching reference framework for the government’s development agenda. It also proposes changes in policy orientation and institutional arrangements to respond to recent developments in Niger and in the subregion. The...

The paper identifies France’s structural reforms that would yield the largest competitiveness gains based on macro-empirical evidence, and reviews signs of potential gains from a deregulation of the services sector. It is expected that completing deregulation in the services sector would...

This paper discusses Jordan’s Second Review Under the Stand-by Arrangement, Request for Waivers of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria (PCs), and Modification of PCs. Program performance is broadly on track. The central bank rebuilt reserves, which are now at a comfortable level and...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that Sudan’s economic performance in 2012 was unfavorable despite the introduction in June 2012 of a package of reforms. Non-oil real GDP growth slowed to 4.6 percent, inflation rose to 44.4 percent by the end of the year, and the gap between...

Despite a stern global financial crisis and fiscal imbalances within the country, Albania's prudent policies supported its economy to grow and safeguarded the soundness of the financial system. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) encouraged the authorities to use...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that real GDP growth in Russia has slowed, amid weak investment and external demand. Yet, the economy remains close to full capacity, with unemployment at historic lows and capacity utilization at pre-crisis highs. Short-term indicators are mixed, but...

This staff report on Malta’s Article IV Consultation highlights economic development and policies. Risks from the large international bank sector appear contained given limited balance-sheet exposure to the Maltese economy, though continued vigilance is warranted. Regulatory changes to...

The joint staff Advisory Note on Senegal’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper reviews policies and strategies required to push forward the authority’s agenda for high, sustained, and inclusive growth and poverty reduction. The private sector is recognized as the main engine of growth...

This paper discusses Cyprus’ First Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility and Request for Modification of Performance Criteria. The program is on track, and ownership by the authorities has improved. Fiscal targets were met with a comfortable margin. All...