The main challenges for this review were to further redress long-running problems in the energy sector and to balance fiscal policy requirements for development spending with macroeconomic stability. The financial position of the state-owned electricity company (KESH) deteriorated significantly...

Raising growth on a sustainable basis and addressing widespread poverty are the main challenges for Paraguay. The macroeconomic program for 2007 aims at raising growth and reducing inflation. IMF staff recommends that the next Article IV Consultation continues within the 24-month cycle, and...

The rebound in inflation since mid-2007 is mostly owed to a jump in food prices in Paraguay. The price volatility of fruits and vegetables explains the divergence between headline and core inflation indicators observed in 2007. Following a decline that started in 2006, core inflation has risen...

This paper presents a decision point document for Togo’s Enhanced Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries. Economic performance has been improving although the country has been strongly affected by the recent surge in food and fuel prices as well as heavy flooding during the...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that over the last decade, Albania’s macroeconomic performance has generally been strong and per capita GDP in U.S. dollar terms more than doubled. Strong fiscal policy, largely based on major improvements in tax administration, lowered public...

Improvements in macroeconomic conditions are encouraging, and the current macroeconomic framework for 2006 and 2007 remains valid in Paraguay. The strong fiscal performance has applied also to the rest of the public sector. The authorities have submitted a budget proposal for 2007 that preserves...

The recent tightening of credit conditions in segments of mature financial markets abroad has not had an impact on Paraguay. The current mix of macroeconomic policies combined with favorable external conditions and the appreciation of the guaraní, have facilitated strong program performance and...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program for Sierra Leone. Performance under the IMF-supported program was mixed. Output growth was strong at 6.8 percent and broad-based, but key fiscal revenue and spending objectives...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that despite the closure of the sugar industry, economic growth in St. Kitts and Nevis has accelerated. In 2006, the economy is estimated to have recorded its third consecutive year of strong growth, projected at 4½ percent in 2006, with good...

Albania’s Third Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility is analyzed. Albania has reached a pivotal stage in its economic development. Increasing foreign direct investment and rapid financial sector development point to a faster convergence...