The Paraguayan economy suffered setbacks throughout 2011–12 owing to drought, export ban, and inflation. Recovery measures have been under way with active government intervention in the implementation of a new budget, tax reforms, and new monetary and fiscal policies. The central bank has...

Sweden’s recovery from the global crisis was swift reflecting its strong position at the onset of the crisis. The 2012 Article IV Consultation reports that the economic outlook remains clouded. Executive Directors have commended Sweden’s sustained strong macroeconomic performance,...

This paper discusses the request from Gambian authorities for a three-year arrangement under the extended credit facility (ECF). The Gambian economy performed well during the previous IMF arrangement, which expired at the end of March 2011; however, there were slippages under the program. The...

The discussions took place in Freetown during March 29–April 11, 2012; and in Washington (April 21–24, 2012). They focused on conditions for completing the fourth ECF review, corrective measures to be implemented to address fiscal slippages that had occurred in late 2011, and policies...

The 2012 Article IV Consultation on Mauritius reports that the outlook for growth and inflation is broadly positive, although growth is likely to slow somewhat to below 4 percent. The cyclical component of Mauritius’ fiscal balance is projected to be small. A less expansionary fiscal...

Economic activity in Tajikistan continues to recover from the global crisis, but a range of vulnerabilities remain. Real GDP grew at an estimated 7.5 percent through the first nine months of 2011. The political environment appears broadly stable, but there are underlying tensions. The worst of...

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,...

This 2011 Article IV Consultation reports that despite an uncertain international economic environment, the Algerian economy has been doing relatively well. Real nonhydrocarbon GDP growth in 2010 reached 6 percent and total GDP growth was 3 percent. Executive Directors have welcomed...

Mongolia has made impressive progress in developing its economy over the past ten years. Medium-term prospects are promising as mining output is projected to expand by more than 20 percent per annum, on average, over the next five years. However, the prospects for sustained, rapid and inclusive...

Namibia’s government has launched a major three-year fiscal initiative in 2011 aimed at increasing growth and employment. Public debt is rising rapidly, from a low base. The authorities intend to unwind the fiscal expansion in 2014. Fiscal consolidation would help keep public debt to a...