Pacific island countries face unique challenges to realizing their growth potential and raising living standards. This book discusses ongoing challenges facing Pacific island countries and policy options to address them. Regional cooperation and solutions tailored to their unique challenges, as...

KEY ISSUES Context: Indonesia has strengthened policy and reserve buffers since mid 2013, in the face of global headwinds from the commodity down-cycle and episodes of volatility affecting emerging market economies. Policies have aimed at containing external and inflation pressures, helping to...

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that Malaysia’s well-diversified economy continued to perform well in 2014. Growth accelerated to 5.9 percent, aided by robust domestic private demand and a recovery in exports. Lower energy costs helped contain inflation to 3.1 percent despite the...

Context: The Philippine economy is expected to grow in line with potential, at around 6½ percent per annum. Inflation is projected to remain within the BSP’s target band (3±1 percent). The external position is strong and fiscal policy is prudent, with a declining public debt ratio. Its...

This 2015 Article IV Consultation highlights that Myanmar's economic growth remains strong, but macroeconomic imbalances have increased significantly over the past year. Real GDP growth for FY2014/15 (April-March) is estimated to have reached 8.5 percent. The fiscal deficit increased to 3...