In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country.

This paper focuses on the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) for The Gambia. Understandings have been reached with the authorities on the SMP covering the period October 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006. Key objectives of the program include making progress toward fiscal sustainability, strengthening...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country.

The large capital inflows that generated a domestic demand boom in Bulgaria led to strong employment growth. But a sharp reduction in capital inflows led to a contraction of domestic demand, while the recession in Bulgaria’s trading partners caused a drop in exports. Public policies will...

Cameroonian monetary developments in the first half of 2007 continued to be driven by high oil prices while inflation declined. Fiscal performance in the first half of 2007 was broadly satisfactory, although concerns about investment execution remain. Performance under the Poverty Reduction and...

This 2011 Article IV Consultation highlights that the difficult global economic conditions continue to hit Barbados with growth at anemic levels. The current account deficit has widened in recent times owing to higher oil and food prices. Executive Directors commended the authorities for...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Rwanda. All but one of the end-2007 quantitative performance criteria were met. IMF staff supports the authorities’ request for a waiver of the nonobservance of the...

Lesotho’s fiscal and external balances have deteriorated as a result of the global economic downturn and a surge in spending. Undertaking key fiscal adjustments to restore macroeconomic stability is necessary for raising Lesotho’s growth potential. Executive Directors commend the...

The global crisis has hit Barbados front and center. The broad economic weakness has hurt the labor market, while inflation remains stubbornly elevated. The major challenge ahead is to put public debt on a steady declining path to support both domestic and external stability. A decisive fiscal...

The Selected Issues paper discusses measures taken by the Chilean government to record moderate economic growth in 2012. The easing of fiscal stance and tightening of expenditure have proved to prevent a decline in the economy. The authorities have estimated retaining a favorable economic...