Bosnia and Herzegovina has come a long way, but has to achieve more in terms of economic transition. The core and most urgent economic task is corporate restructuring. Labor market institutions need to be transformed alongside. The fiscal and structural reform agenda will require strengthened...

This paper examines foreign exchange intervention practices and their effectiveness using a new qualitative and quantitative database for a panel of 15 economies covering 2004 - 10, with special focus on Latin America. Qualitatively, it examines institutional aspects such as declared motives,...

The Irish authorities are adopting consolidation measures to meet the original fiscal targets as well as implementing structural reforms in the labor market and sheltered sectors to enhance competitiveness. Strengthened euro area support for Ireland’s growth and debt sustainability would...

As a result of the Enhanced Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI), Mali’s stock of external debt has declined significantly. The central feature of Mali’s medium- and long-term macroeconomic outlook is the steady decline...

Ghana showed strong growth underpinned by high commodity export prices, the start of oil production, and strong non-oil activity. Executive Directors welcomed this development, and stressed that monetary policy implementation will need to remain vigilant. Directors welcomed the recent approval...

Stronger policies, favorable external environment, and notable improvement in the humanitarian situation supported a nascent economic recovery in Zimbabwe. Executive Directors welcomed this, and urged authorities to take advantage of the favorable external environment to strengthen their...

The Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper III (GPRS-III) will provide a framework for the government’s economic, financial, and sectoral policies for the period 2012–17. All performance criteria (PC) and indicative targets through end-December were observed, except for the...

The economic recovery in the U.A.E. is gaining strength, but subject to increased regional uncertainty. The government should undertake cost-benefit analysis and implement projects that have high economic return. In order to reduce government-related entities (GRE) risks, the authorities should...

This 2011 Article IV Consultation reviews Côte d’Ivoire’s economic condition. Côte d’Ivoire is emerging from a decade-long sociopolitical crisis that has held back its economic growth. In 2009, Côte d’Ivoire adopted an economic and financial program supported by a three-year Extended...

The prolonged crisis and violent conflict led to considerable destruction of private and public property, loss of life, and many refugees and internally displaced persons. Dealing with the shocks and aftermath of the post-election political crisis and armed conflict is a serious challenge for...