Unit value export and import indices compiled from returns to customs authorities are often used as surrogates for price indices in the measurement of inflation transmission, terms of trade (effects), and to deflate import and export value series to derive volume series. Their widespread use is...

This paper examines Sudan’s 2005 Article IV Consultation and the Final Review of the 2004 and 2005 Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). Between 2001 and 2004, the economy of Sudan grew at an average rate of 6.4 percent per year, and the non-oil sector expanded at an annual rate of 5.3 percent....

This paper focuses on the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) for Guinea-Bissau. The SMP, which covers the period April–December 2005, is based on the budget for 2005. It aims at avoiding new domestic arrears through a cash-rationing system, at improving tax administration and expenditure...

Improving debt management capacity in Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) is a key element of the international community’s strategy for ensuring a robust and sustained exit from unsustainable debt burdens. External debt management is a multi-facetted task involving the formulation of a...

Based on the economic development and policies of Kenya, the staff report was prepared. GDP growth was broadly supported by both private and public investment. Policy issues related to monetary tightening to reign in inflationary expectations, medium-term, monitoring and emerging financial risks...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Dominican Republic's economy has been adversely affected by the global crisis. Output has been below potential as real GDP growth is decelerating rapidly from more than 5 percent in 2008 to an estimated 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent in 2009....

Kenya’s economy is bouncing back following multiple shocks between 2008 and 2009. The program targets a gradual reduction in the central government primary balance through tax reform and strict control of current spending to bring the debt-to-GDP ratio below 45 percent at the end of the...

This paper focuses on the increase in the external debt stock that reflects donor financing, including IMF and Bank lending to help Mongolia smooth its fiscal adjustment path after the major terms of trade shock. The fiscal deficit is expected to steadily decline until revenues from the Oyu...

This paper examines Georgia’s request for an 18-month arrangement for SDR 477.1 million, equivalent to about US$750 million, which would constitute exceptional access. IMF support to the government’s macroeconomic policies is intended to provide the needed financing to rebuild...

This 2003 Article IV Consultation for Panama reports that the medium-term outlook is sound, assuming continued pursuit of prudent fiscal policies and growth-enhancing structural reforms. Sustained compliance with the fiscal responsibility law will require structural reforms, including...