This paper discusses Congo’s progress under the Enhanced Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC). In the view of the staff of IDA and the IMF, Congo has met in full all of the triggers for reaching the completion point. All key decisions, actions, and measures required to...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review Under the Stand–By Arrangement for Belarus. All end-December quantitative and continuous performance criteria and structural benchmarks were met. Discussions focused on confirming the authorities’ commitment to program...

After a period of economic slowdown, the outlook for Sierra Leone appears more favorable. Development priorities and their financing while maintaining a competitive economy and a sustainable debt outlook will help. Structural reforms will focus on improving tax administration, strengthening...

This paper presents the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe’s first review under the Three Year Arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement. After averaging 6 percent a year over several years, real GDP growth in 2009 is estimated at 4 percent, reflecting a decline...

Austria’s recession had limited effects on unemployment. Investment declined sharply but consumption helped cushion the recession, supported by tax cuts and various labor market measures together with large increases in real wages. Austria’s fiscal position has weakened...

This paper presents the key findings of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s 2010 Article IV Consultation. In 2009, overall GDP grew at 9.3 percent, but non-oil GDP growth slowed from 16 percent to 3 percent, fiscal and export revenues fell by more than 30 percent, and credit and liquidity...

This 2010 Article IV Consultation highlights that the authorities’ adjustment program has contributed to limiting the fallout of the global crisis on Serbia. Although the output slump has been limited relative to regional peers, the decline in domestic demand has been significant,...

Performance under the last ECF-supported program was broadly satisfactory. The government has prepared a medium-term policy framework to consolidate recent progress, and enhance growth prospects and poverty reduction efforts. Burkina Faso’s risk of debt distress is high. Executive...

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Mali. Implementation of the ECF-supported program has been challenged by the global financial crisis and the ensuing global slowdown. The new program aims to continue prudent fiscal policies and...