This paper presents an assessment of Haiti’s qualification for assistance under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement is scheduled to be discussed by the IMF Executive Board in parallel with this document....

The macroeconomic performance for Lao People’s Democratic Republic is encouraging, but underlying fragilities remain. Progress needs to be made on structural reforms. On the fiscal side, the immediate challenge is to avoid an unsustainable expansion of spending. The medium-term priority...

Liberia’s 2006 Article IV Consultation reports that the economy continues its modest recovery, driven by donor-related expenditure and the resumption of activity in rural areas. The government has endorsed the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program that aims to strengthen...

Ghana’s macroeconomic performance has continued to improve, and the program’s objectives are being met. Progress has also been made toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Public expenditure and financial management has shown improvement. The medium-term outlook appears...

Malawi has made satisfactory progress in implementing its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) for at least one year, and maintained satisfactory macroeconomic policies as evidenced by its performance under a program supported by the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) over the last...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that Namibia recorded robust real GDP growth, falling inflation, a strong external current account surplus, and continued low external indebtedness over the last two years. Real GDP grew by 6 percent in 2004, as new marine technologies prompted a...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that over the last 12 months, the Afghan authorities have made further progress in rebuilding institutions and stabilizing the economy. In a challenging environment, dominated by the difficult security situation and parliamentary elections, the...

El Salvador has made major strides on several fronts since the peace accords of 1992. The near-term outlook has strengthened, although challenges remain. The authorities are intended to limit tax exemptions and subsidies, and raise priority of banking reforms this year. Discussions focused on...

The economic recovery since 2004 has been accompanied by a steady rise in inflation. Several factors have contributed, including an expansionary monetary stance (with credit to the private sector growing by some 45 percent). Although pleased with the recent improvement of the economy, the...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that despite a difficult political environment, economic growth in Ecuador is estimated to have exceeded 3 percent in 2005, with the non-oil sector expanding by 3½ percent. The strong growth in the oil sector that followed the completion of the new...