This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Lao People’s Democratic Republic’s (PDR) economy has performed well in recent years, owing to generally stable macroeconomic conditions and a rapidly expanding natural resource sector. Real GDP growth has averaged more than 7...

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 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that Côte d’Ivoire has embarked on comprehensive reform policies to address the challenges of enhancing growth and reducing poverty. It adopted a Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper in February 2009, which covers the seven-year period 2009–15, and...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economy of Bosnia and Herzegovina is enjoying its fourth consecutive year of stable growth underpinned by the currency board. Export growth of 29 percent on the back of productivity gains, export price increases, and improvements in reporting...

Growth performance in Bangladesh is improving, but macroeconomic imbalances have also emerged. Medium-term growth targets are likely to intensify macroeconomic pressures if not managed well. Longer-term growth prospects hinge on generating sufficient resources to relieve infrastructure...

Colombia’s economic performance has been strong, aided by sound economic policies. Structural reforms and prudent macroeconomic policy management has contributed to higher economic growth and lower inflation. Executive Directors commended the economic strategy, which has increased...

This paper discusses key findings of the First Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Iceland. Post-crisis dynamics has followed the expected pattern: a sharp drop in GDP, rapid decline in inflation, shift of the current account to balance, and gradual stabilization of currency and financial...

Guinea-Bissau remains fragile, after nearly a decade of conflict and political instability. Fiscal performance has improved markedly since the new government implemented its emergency fiscal plan. The focus of the government on stabilizing public finances and improving economic management and...

Togo’s economic performance continued its gradual improvement, marking progress in overcoming the legacy of its protracted domestic crisis. The program has broadly achieved its objectives for growth and macroeconomic stability. The improving economic performance and sound policies have...

The 2010 staff report for the Fourth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement addresses economic challenges faced by Pakistan. The implementation of the structural agenda faced delays but politically difficult reforms were assured to be executed. The resulting fiscal pressures had been expected to...