This paper discusses key findings of the Fifth Review for Afghanistan under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Performance under the PRGF-supported program has been mixed. Monetary and financial policies were broadly consistent with the program. However, difficulties were evident...

This paper provides an empirical investigation of the medium-term determinants of current accounts for a large sample of industrial and developing countries. The analysis is based on a structural approach that highlights the roles of the fundamental macroeconomic determinants of saving and...

Delays in debt restructuring negotiations are widely regarded as inefficient. This paper argues that delays can allow the economy to recover from a crisis, make more resources available for debt settlement, and enable the negotiating parties to enjoy a larger "cake". Within this context,...

Debt crises that have shaken Latin America, Asia, and Russia have brought an increasing attention to the structure of debt in emerging market countries. Using the newly released Jeanne-Guscina EM Government Debt Database 2006 this paper empirically explores the role of macroeconomic, political,...

Social and political stability has improved in Congo, but the security situation is fragile. Executive Directors welcomed the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP), which was designed to safeguard fiscal and external stability. They stressed the need for stabilizing the economy and pursuing structural...

Macedonia’s economic performance under the program has remained strong, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to build on the progress made and to advance the reform agenda. The average inflation rate was 2.3 percent, although it started to pick up recently owing to a relatively...

This paper presents an assessment of the Central African Republic’s (C.A.R) qualifications for assistance under the Enhanced HIPC Initiative. Stronger policy implementation has helped the economic growth of the C.A.R. under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement....

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for Burkina Faso. All quantitative performance criteria (PC) were met. The indicative floor on social expenditures was not achieved, mainly because of capacity weaknesses in implementing...

Over the last decade, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) macroeconomic performance has deteriorated relative to the rest of the Caribbean. Tourism accounts for three-fifths of exports, and the import content of consumption and investment is high. The ECCB-operated quasi-currency board...

Prudent macroeconomic management, strong growth, low inflation, small fiscal deficit, and public debt have helped The Bahamas attain the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. Executive Directors supported the government’s goals of balancing the budget and reducing debt. They...