Female labor force participation in the Mashreq is exceptionally low, a problem likely to be exacerbated by the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This report calls for action in the following areas: stronger economic growth, effective policy action to close legal gaps, promotion of more...

The current downturn in commodity prices provides an opportunity for Indonesia to shift away from its dependence on commodity-driven growth towards higher value-added activities in manufacturing and services. However, Indonesia faces both global and structural challenges in making this...

In September 2017, Ghana's economy expanded for the fifth successive quarter by 9.3 percent compared to just 4.3 percent in September 2016. This reflects continued high levels of growth in the industry sector, driven by mining and petroleum. Oil production rose by 16.6 percent compared with a...

The Iran Economic Monitor provides an update on key economic developments and policies over the past six months. It examines these economic developments and policies in a longer-term and global context, and assesses their implications for the outlook for the country. Its coverage has ranged from...

Romania has made considerable progress in recent years towards reducing macroeconomic imbalances. Such reductions, together with monetary policies and structural reforms, either implemented or in progress, have contributed to maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability. After the budget...

This is a semi-annual report series on recent economic developments and economic policies in the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, FYR Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia). The report looks at the economic performance and outlook for the Western Balkans region and specific...

The economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grew several folds over the past decades, making impressive improvements in key development indicators, supported by massive investments in extractive industries. Real gross domestic product (GDP) annual growth reached 5.1 percent during the...

This policy note analyzes the profile of the out of work in Poland and compares this with the current set of labor market policies, in particular Public Employment Services. The note relied on existing data from the Polish Labor Force Survey, the tax and benefit model, expenditure data in Poland...

Recent policy measures have contributed to macroeconomic stability. However, with significant risks stemming from both domestic and external fronts, the balance of risks is tilted towards downside. To sustain growth, create more and better jobs and reduce poverty Sri Lanka needs to implement and...