Should policymakers still be concerned about economic growth in trading partners? Have developing and emerging market countries decoupled from the US enough to grow despite significant recession in the US? Using VAR models, this paper addresses these questions for Nigeria in the context of the...

The staff report for Uganda’s combined 2008 Article IV Consultation and Fourth Review Under the Policy Support Instrument is presented. Building on a foundation of two decades of sound policies, Uganda achieved an impressive economic performance, with high growth, low inflation, and...

The staff report for the Republic of Congo’s combined 2008 Article IV Consultation and Requests for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility is discussed. To enhance external viability, the authorities recognize the need to improve competitiveness, raise...

El Salvador’s 2008 Article IV Consultation examines the country's economic developments and policies. In 2007, the fiscal position improved, the public debt-to-GDP ratio declined, and economic growth reached its highest level in a decade. The rise in global commodity prices has also...

The global financial crisis has forced government intervention in major financial institutions in Belgium. This 2008 Article IV Consultation discusses that the boom in energy and food prices in early 2008 caused inflation to spike to well above the euro area average. Executive Directors have...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economy of Estonia is now experiencing its most severe recession since the early 1990s. The financial sector has withstood the global financial turbulence well so far, but risks remain significant. Executive Directors have commended the...

Following years as a star performer, Ireland is undergoing a painful adjustment as critical internal imbalances unwind. This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the banking system of Ireland is under considerable stress as asset quality has deteriorated and the global financial crisis...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation discusses that a nascent recovery in Togo’s economy is expected to be offset in 2009 by the impact of the global recession. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF)-supported program and aim to...

Strong economic fundamentals helped Panama contain the adverse impact of the global economic downturn and financial turmoil. The 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that real GDP of Panama in 2008 grew by 9.2 percent. Panama’s large banking system has weathered the global financial...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Montenegro has made significant progress in overhauling its economy. The authorities have taken several welcomed steps to help strengthen financial sector stability. Executive Directors have welcomed the structural reforms implemented over the...