Despite the global financial and economic crisis, implementation of the government’s economic and financial program was broadly satisfactory. Growth was sustained, and the balance of payments improved markedly. The implementation of structural reforms with regard to state enterprises and...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Arrangement for Sierra Leone. Program performance in the first half of 2009 was satisfactory. All end-June quantitative performance criteria were met, as were all end-June structural benchmarks,...

Policy efforts in Latvia have supported stabilization. Immediate risks are much lower, but medium-term challenges remain. The government should focus on durable spending cuts, but revenue measures may also be required. Efforts to strengthen regulation and supervision to improve financial...

The Chinese government’s macroeconomic policy response to the crisis has delivered positive results, and mitigated the impact of the global downturn on its economy. The challenge now is to sustain this strong growth performance while switching decisively to an economy that is powered by...

Croatia’s economy is also saddled with more pervasive rigidities and higher government involvement than many of its transition peers. The Croatian National Bank (CNB) pursued proactive policies, which helped ensure financial sector stability. A stable nominal exchange rate provided an...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review and Financing Assurances Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Latvia. The sharp economic downturn is starting to bottom out, although recovery has not yet begun. The authorities have implemented the June 2009 supplementary budget, and...

The Republic of Poland’s 2010 Article IV Consultation shows that Poland is the only European Union country to have escaped a recession in 2009 owing to its limited reliance on exports and well-capitalized and profitable banking system. Like its regional peers, it experienced spillovers...

This paper discusses key findings of the Third Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for Mali. Implementation of the ECF-supported program has been challenged by the global financial crisis and the ensuing global slowdown. The new program aims to continue prudent fiscal policies and...

Ethiopia has successfully implemented policies to reduce inflation and rebuild external reserves. Fiscal policy aims to continue the strong focus on physical and social infrastructure investment while raising the revenue effort. The recent reframing of monetary policy to adopt a reserve money...

The Salvadoran economy was severely affected by the global economic slowdown. Further strengthening the economy’s growth prospects and reducing poverty will depend on a durable fiscal consolidation effort and improvements in the investment climate through continued commitment to...