This paper discusses Uganda’s Sixth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria, and Request for a Policy Support Instrument (PSI). Performance relative to the sixth and final PRGF review was...

Propelled by large terms-of-trade gains, GDP growth has accelerated and is running close to potential. The demand pressures associated with the large terms-of-trade gains are reflected in a fast real appreciation of the ruble, although more of this has come through nominal appreciation during...

This paper assesses Estonia’s flexibility from two angles. The paper focuses on one aspect of that performance—the ability to sustain competitiveness. Then, a more forward-looking angle is the flexibility of Estonia’s labor and product markets. Estonia has made great progress in achieving...

This paper presents a preliminary assessment of the Kyrgyz Republic’s eligibility for assistance under the Enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. It provides background information on the country’s eligibility under the enhanced HIPC Initiative. It summarizes the...

Major political developments have taken place in Nepal since the Executive Board concluded the Article IV Consultation in January 2006. The Koirala government is keen on early resumption of the IMF-supported program to help maintain macroeconomic stability. The international community has...

Bangladesh is reducing poverty and making headway toward meeting its MDGs. However, political considerations are exerting an increasing influence on economic policy decisions. The overall fiscal balance has been kept below budget and program targets, notwithstanding sizable revenue slippages....

Economic growth continues to be strong, but inflation has increased substantially. The structural agenda remains focused on further improving tax and customs administration, improving fiscal planning and public expenditure management, and strengthening financial markets. The main risks to the...

Prospects for the future remain favorable, provided that policy actions are taken to address the risks and challenges that China faces. The government recognizes the need to contain investment and credit growth, and has tightened the monetary policy in response. Greater exchange rate flexibility...

The Netherlands showed economic recovery, supported by strong polices, public finances, and structural reforms. Executive Directors commended the strong fiscal framework and agreed that it meets the good practice standards according to the reports on the observance of standards and codes. They...

Afghanistan’s economy continued to perform strongly under the staff-monitored program, resulting in rapid economic growth, inflation declining to single-digit levels, and the international reserves position strengthening further. At the same time, the authorities implemented key structural...