Jamaica has performed well under the Stand-By Arrangement program. Executive Directors commended that overall macroeconomic performance under the program has been encouraging. Directors welcomed the program aimed at fiscal responsibility legislation and central treasury management, public debt...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that Iraq’s longer-term economic outlook is strong as oil prices and production are projected to increase markedly in the coming years. However, based on conservative oil price assumptions, the external current account and the overall balance...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fifth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Georgia. The 2010 program sets out a viable exit strategy from official external support, permitting the Georgian authorities to return to capital markets ahead of their large debt rollover needs in...

To reduce the negative effects of a bank-lending crunch on economic activity, adequate credit provision should be ensured. Further bank recapitalization, restructuring and consolidation of the banking sector, and regulatory reform decisions will reduce uncertainty. A long-lasting configuration...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Central African Republic has recorded the modest economic growth since the end of the internal conflict in 2003, recovering from decades of decline in living standards. Real GDP grew by 2½ percent a year on average during 2004–08....

This Selected Issues paper discusses the economics of energy price reform in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Economic policies in Iran have traditionally relied on the abundant availability of energy at a low price to finance the country’s economic development. Low domestic energy prices...

The staff report for Qatar’s 2009 Article IV Consultation describes economic development and policies. The underlying strength of the economy derived from  Qatar’s hydrocarbon  revenues, and timely and decisive intervention by the government in...

The key findings of the Czech Republic’s 2010 Article IV Consultation are discussed. Large foreign direct investment inflows fostered trade integration, underpinning an export-led expansion. Higher initial standard of living contained consumption convergence pressures. An improved fiscal...

Congo’s first full Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy underpinned the economic policy during a particularly challenging transitional period. The difficulty is in implementing the program in a rapidly evolving institutional environment. Developments during recent years demonstrate...

The economy of Honduras contracted as a result of the global economic crisis. In the economic policy area, the authorities gave priority to strengthening the financial position of the public sector and restarting the external assistance. Measures are taken to strengthen the fiscal position, in...