The government of Cameroon adopted its first Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) to define the overall framework for its development policies. To adjust the overall objectives and address the weaknesses of the first PRSP, a new comprehensive framework, Cameroon's Strategy for Growth and...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economy of the Marshall Islands is on a path to recovery. A gradual expansion with growth reaching 0.5 percent in 2010 is supported by further growth in the fish processing industry and additional foreign grant assistance. Rising prices could...

This 2010 Article IV Consultation highlights that Egypt has weathered the global financial crisis relatively well and financial market pressures have eased after the initial outflow. Equity prices plateaued in recent months, after having recovered over half of the losses since the April 2008...

This Selected Issues paper analyzes the global crisis and potential growth in Mexico. The paper uses two methodologies to assess to what extent the global crisis is likely to weigh on Mexico’s growth potential. The first approach is sectoral, examining the historical relationship between...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fifth Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Grenada. Four of the six quantitative performance criteria for end-November 2009 were met. The primary balance, excluding the grants target, was missed by 3.3 percent of GDP owing to...

The key findings of Colombia’s 2010 Article IV Consultation on economic developments and policies are presented. The Colombian economy had begun to slow down in early 2008, as policies had been tightened to address overheating, but the global crisis caused private investment to collapse...

This paper discusses a Request from Congo for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program. Growth in Congo in 2008 was strong, but weakened by the onset of the global financial crisis during the second half of the year that resulted in a deterioration...

This paper discusses a request from Samoa's authorities for a Disbursement Under the Rapid-Access Component of the Exogenous Shocks Facility (ESF-RAC). The tsunami that hit Samoa on September 29, 2009 has undercut Samoa’s economic resilience and prospects for a quick recovery from the...

The economy entered the crisis from a position of considerable strength because of past prudent macroeconomic management. Macroeconomic policies are being appropriately redirected away from short-term demand management toward medium-term considerations. Fiscal policy was strongly countercyclical...

The global financial crisis has slowed the Burundian economy and a significant decline in inflation. Against the background of the East African Community (EAC) integration, the Article IV Consultation discussions focused on three fundamental themes. IMF staff and authorities agreed on the need...