A positive financial market and real sector developments support Ireland's capacity to exit the EU-IMF supported program at year's end. But the underlying fiscal and financial situation is still difficult, and continued strong policy execution remains paramount. Improvement in dealing with...

Bulgaria did not have any exchange rate crisis, international bailout, bank intervention, or build-up of public debt. This attests to the strength of the policy framework and policy implementation. The fiscal adjustment achieved so far should be preserved, but improving the composition of the...

Belarus was experiencing an economic crisis after the expiration of a Stand-By Arrangement in March 2010. Its policies were loosened significantly, and consequently the account deficit increased and pressure on reserves intensified. The authorities agreed with the Eurasian Economic...

Recent performance suggests further economic stabilization in the Central African Republic, but uncertainties remain related to the general elections. The fiscal program aims at supporting domestic demand, financing the peace process and the elections, and mobilizing more revenue. Structural...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review for the Central African Republic (CAR) under the three-year arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Short-term fiscal policy of the CAR attempts to stabilize demand through government spending while preserving...

On occasion, a government may find itself confronted with a need to address a large contingent or off balance sheet fiscal liability. Implementing a settlement raises issues of fiscal sustainability and macroeconomic stability. This paper surveys the key design issues, and draws lessons from...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Tonga’s real GDP growth is estimated to turn negative in FY06/07, declining by 3½ percent. The economy will continue to be subject to uncertainty and shocks. While economic growth should return to positive, albeit low, levels in the...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Côte d’Ivoire’s crisis has taken a heavy toll on growth and social conditions. Per capita income fell by one-sixth, poverty rose, and many social indicators worsened. These developments have also hurt regional trade and output. The external...

Afghanistan’s economy continued to perform strongly under the staff-monitored program, resulting in rapid economic growth, inflation declining to single-digit levels, and the international reserves position strengthening further. At the same time, the authorities implemented key...

Burundi is emerging from more than a decade of civil conflict that started with the 1993 coup d’état against its first elected government. Macroeconomic developments in 2005 were broadly in line with the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program, although growth was lower at about...