Executive Directors commend the government for their continued commitment to restore macroeconomic stability and implement structural reforms to establish the foundation for high rates of economic growth and poverty reduction. The medium-term economic strategy is appropriate. The risks to the...

This paper examines Madagascar’s Fifth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, and Requests for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria. Madagascar’s performance under the program was broadly satisfactory, taking into account...

The 2006 Article IV Consultation, First Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility of Sierra Leone reviews sustainability of higher economic growth and reduction of poverty. Sierra Leone has made progress in improving governance and transparency, but...

Togo showed solid progress under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)-supported economic program. Executive Directors appreciated its strong track record of policy, reform implementation, and commitment to sound reforms. In addition to maintaining macroeconomic stability, Togo has fully met all...

Strong economic policies and a supportive external environment have contributed to rapid growth, low inflation, strengthened external position, and an improved debt structure helping Uruguay perform well under the Stand-By Arrangement. Executive Directors commended the fiscal and monetary...

The fiscal stance has been more expansionary in 2008, but there should be no need for net domestic financing. The new fiscal regime for mining increases the average effective tax rate from a level that was significantly below that of other mining countries. The monetary program aims to reduce...

The Fifth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility of the Republic of Mozambique explains macroeconomic performance. Growth has picked up, led by strength in the construction sector and a recovery in agricultural production. The strategy to...

Congo’s economic program aims to enhance macroeconomic stability and advance reforms to bolster economic management and improve the supply response of the economy. Progress in implementing the program has been affected negatively by the continuation of conflict. Fiscal policy aims at...

The economies of Central America share a close relationship with the United States, with considerable comovement of GDP growth over a long period of time. Trade, the financial sector, and remittance flows are all potential channels through which the U.S. cycle could affect the region. But just...

We examine the evolution of the net external asset positions of Central and Eastern Europe (CEEC) countries over the past decade, with a strong emphasis on the composition of their international balance sheets. We assess the extent of their international financial integration, compared with the...