Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) showed commendable growth owing to its strong macroeconomic performance and structural reforms under the economic program. Executive Directors commended the fiscal performance, bank restructuring, and the private sector developments, and stressed the...

This paper focuses on the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) for The Gambia. Understandings have been reached with the authorities on the SMP covering the period October 1, 2005 to March 31, 2006. Key objectives of the program include making progress toward fiscal sustainability, strengthening...

This paper reviews the 2006 Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) and a New Staff-Monitored Program for 2007 for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most quantitative and structural benchmarks under the SMP for April–December 2006 were not met; nevertheless, the SMP helped prevent major...

The strong macroeconomic performance and the implementation of prudent fiscal and monetary policies and a flexible exchange rate regime have helped Mozambique to perform well under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI). Executive Directors advised to maintain macroeconomic stability and accelerate...

This paper presents key findings of the Fifth Review under the Policy Support Instrument for Cape Verde. All quantitative assessment criteria for end-June 2008 were met. GDP growth remains generally resilient, and inflation pressures have been contained. Progress on structural measures has been...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that Zimbabwe’s pace of economic deterioration slowed somewhat in 2004, but appears to have picked up again in the first half of 2005. IMF staff estimates that real GDP fell by about 4 percent in 2004, compared with a contraction of 10½...

Burundi showed commendable performance owing to its prudent macroeconomic policies and ambitious structural reforms under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Executive Directors appreciated its macroeconomic stability, strong fiscal discipline, and prudent monetary policies in...

Vietnam's macroeconomic performance has been strong, fueled by strong export performance, poverty reduction, and domestic investment. Executive Directors welcomed this development, and stressed the need for strong monetary, exchange rate, and fiscal policies. They appreciated the prudent...

This paper studies the implications of foreign currency deposits (FCDs) for international liquidity shortages in Pakistan. The analysis focuses on how the large volume of FCDs and the specific institutional characteristics of those deposits have made the Pakistan economy highly vulnerable to...

Political pressure for faster delivery of tangible economic results has mounted against a backdrop of slower-than-expected economic growth, job losses in some sectors, and delays in infrastructure provision. Macroeconomic performance weakened in 2009 owing to the global recession, but tentative...