This paper presents the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s decision point and debt sustainability analysis under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative. Protracted conflict and political instability have undermined Afghanistan’s socioeconomic development, resulting...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Nepal. The PRGF-supported program is broadly on track. All quantitative performance criteria for the fourth review were met. A number of structural performance criteria and...

The 2006 Article IV Consultation on Rwanda highlights medium-term stimulating growth to reduce poverty. The government of Rwanda’s medium-term policies address the country’s challenges to increase growth and make headway toward the Millennium Development Goals. Executive Directors...

This paper reports on a pilot study to present the United States fiscal data in a manner consistent with the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM 2001). The study incorporates cash and accrual source data in a consistent and harmonized statistical framework, enhancing the accuracy and...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Switzerland’s economy is performing well. The expansion moved into its fourth year with above average growth and employment, and few signs of inflation. This favorable outcome can be traced to a vibrant external environment, including in...

This paper discusses the Request from Gambia for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) and for Additional Interim Assistance Under the Enhanced Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC). The Gambian authorities are requesting a three-year...

The staff report for the 2007 Article IV Consultation on the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) explains economic performance. Growth is robust and increasingly reliant on large export-oriented mining and hydropower projects. The economic outlook is promising, but the outcome clearly...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic performance of Benin has been relatively subdued since 2003 after a decade of high growth. Slow economic growth has reflected limited progress in addressing core economic vulnerabilities and delays in implementing crucial...

This paper explains Sierra Leone’s completion point under the Enhanced Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) and debt relief under the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI). With enhanced HIPC and MDRI assistance, Sierra Leone will achieve a debt profile below the...

This paper discusses key findings of the First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Overall performance under the program has been strong. All but one of the quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets were met. Fiscal performance has been impressive,...