The authorities’ remain committed to lower the fiscal deficit and stabilize the public debt-to-GDP ratio at 30 percent of GDP while improving the quality of expenditure. The authorities agree to maintain public expenditure within the ceilings established in the 2011 budget. Further...

Satisfactory policy implementation continues in the program under challenging conditions, but the uncertain economic, social, and political environment will test this commitment. The program is flexible to accommodate a partial pass-through of higher world oil prices to domestic fuel prices and...

Burkina Faso has set up ambitious developmental goals and outlined policies and reforms to reach these goals under the Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Sustained Development (SCADD). It is recognized that poverty alleviation is a long-term challenge, and there is greater scrutiny of the...

The economy has recovered following the stabilization of commodity and food prices. The Article IV discussions focused on policies to secure a sustained recovery and achieve long-term economic and fiscal sustainability. The recovery will likely remain weak, and the consolidated fiscal surplus is...

The two newly autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands face substantial challenges. Growth has been low, and unemployment high. The current account deficit has widened to worrisome levels, increasing the vulnerability of the peg to the U.S. dollar and stimulating calls for...

The IMF staff report for the third review under the Stand-By arrangement with the officials of El Salvador on economic developments and policies. Developments from the second review are outlined. Discussions on the policy adjustments needed to keep the key objectives of the program for 2011 and...

In this study, the stability of the economy of the Netherlands is overviewed. Bank profitability has recovered. The housing and mortgage markets are relatively stable, although vulnerabilities to household balance sheets are rising. The results of stress tests in the context of the Financial...

The 2011 Article IV Consultation reports that the economy in the Republic of Lithuania has staged an impressive recovery based on a supportive global environment and determined policy adjustment. The main driver of the recovery was export growth. Executive Directors commended the authorities for...

Although the economic growth of Romania has resumed, it has boosted downside risks. However, the country has continued its strong performance under the new program in strengthening macroeconomic policies, accelerating structural reforms, and consolidating economic development. In conclusion, the...

With the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) completion, Congo’s prospects for achieving sustained growth and poverty reduction have improved. The HIPC completion reduced debt service obligations and increased the resilience of external debt indicators to shocks. Non-oil revenue is...