The report examines the annual report of Madagascar’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. Madagascar’s economic situation has been characterized by steady growth estimated at 5.0 percent on average against an average annual demographic growth rate of 2.8 percent. However, the living...

This paper discusses a request from the Guatemalan authorities for an 18-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with total access of SDR 630.6 million (about US$951 million). Guatemala has a strong track record of macroeconomic stability. The economy is open and hence vulnerable to external shocks....

This 2008 Article IV Consultation discusses that real GDP growth in Namibia is expected to moderate to about 3 percent in 2008 from 4.1 percent in 2007, reflecting a downturn in the mining sector owing to the global economic slowdown. Executive Directors have commended the authorities’...

The Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper discusses socioeconomic development in the Republic of Tajikistan. Although poverty reduction in rural areas is proceeding at a faster pace than in urban areas, poverty continues to be a predominantly rural phenomenon. In addition to improving the gender...

This Joint Staff Advisory Note on the Republic of Tajikistan’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper discusses economic development and policies. The authorities are working on enhancing Tajikistan’s investment climate through a range of measures, including through eliminating...

Belarus’ economic growth has been impressive in the last few years. Belarus’ economic program is designed to facilitate adjustment to external shocks and reduce vulnerabilities. It includes a number of structural reforms on issues that are critical to the mitigation of...

Senegal’s second review under the Policy Support Instrument and request for a Twelve-Month Arrangement under the Exogenous Shocks Facility, and request for Waivers and Modification of Assessment Criteria are assessed. Rising food and energy prices have presented a shock to the balance of...

This paper discusses findings of the annual progress report on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper for Burundi. The report reveals that a number of decisive steps have been taken to promote political governance. Training sessions organized for local elected officials and members of parliament...

The staff report for Haiti’s Fourth Review under the Three-Year Arrangement, and request for Waiver of Performance Criterion and Augmentation of Access is examined. The financial system, which has not been significantly affected by the financial crisis, remains sound. External credit...

This Selected Issues paper for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is examined. Real GDP growth accelerated to 5 percent in 2007 and 6 percent in the first half of 2008, from its historical average of about 3 percent. Increased investment, partly financed by FDI, is the main driver...