Ethiopia pursues a public sector-led growth strategy that focuses on promoting growth through high public investment supported partly by low nominal interest rates. While the strategy has contributed to robust economic growth in the past, recent developments indicate a buildup of vulnerabilities...

The Sixth Review Under the Extended Arrangement with Ireland highlights that Ireland’s policy implementation has continued to be steadfast. Ownership of the program remains strong despite the considerable challenges the country is facing. Ireland’s progress in strengthening the...

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review of Romania’s economic performance under a program supported by a 24-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The authorities are on track to achieve their 2011–12 deficit targets, but stepped-up efforts are needed on key structural...

This paper discusses Romania’s fourth review under the Stand-By Arrangement and request for modification of performance criteria. The authorities are treating the arrangement as precautionary. Additional funds under the program are provided by the European Union. The economy grew by 2.5...

The staff report for the Fifth Review Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Waivers of Applicability and Nonobservance of End-September Performance Criteria, prepared by a staff team of the IMF, following discussions that ended on September 11, 2012, with the officials of Portugal on...

This Technical Assistance (TA) Report on the Philippines discusses the fiscal regime for the mining sector. The Philippines has long been a producer of minerals, but the mining and petroleum sectors account for only a small share of the economy, exports, and government revenue. The petroleum...

This collection of papers presents the First Post-Program Monitoring Discussions focusing on economic development in the Republic of Latvia. Latvia successfully completed its EU-IMF-supported program in December 2011. As part of the program, Latvia implemented fiscal consolidation measures of...

The 2012 Article IV Consultation discusses the economic outlook for Kuwait for 2012, which is broadly positive. Economic recovery is expected to strengthen, led by high government expenditure—particularly wages and capital expenditure. High fiscal and external surpluses are expected to...

This 2012 Article IV Consultation highlights that the pace of economic activity in Jordan remains subdued. Following a period of robust growth during 2000–09 supported by a favorable external environment, economic activity slowed sharply. Jordan is also facing risks from a further...

After a moderate recovery in 2010–11, the Samoan economy has shown signs of slowing down amid rising inflation. After two consecutive years of contraction, real GDP has expanded by 2 percent in 2010–11. The Central Bank of Samoa has maintained an accommodative monetary policy to...