Barbados has a stable political system, and there is long-standing public consensus on key economic policies, including a fixed exchange rate with the U.S. dollar supported by prudent fiscal and wage policies. Owing to job creation mainly in the private sector, particularly construction, the...

The Indian economy has recovered strongly. The government's poverty alleviation programs have focused on generation of employment in rural areas. The overall deficit of the consolidated public sector has risen sharply in recent years, erasing most of the consolidation that was achieved during...

This paper first discusses recent economic developments through the first half of 2000, and then, provides an assessment of vulnerabilities in the Belarusian banking system. Dollarization in Belarus is also discussed. In this paper, the current business environment and the existing obstacles to...

For the time being—and possibly for a considerable time to come—developments and prospects for the euro area are quite favorable. This upbeat outlook is underpinned by buoyant activity indicators and a supportive policy mix. High household and business confidence, rising capacity utilization...

Papua New Guinea showed satisfactory performance under the Stand-By Arrangement. Executive Directors commended the macroeconomic stabilization and structural reform, and emphasized the need to maintain fiscal and monetary stances. They appreciated the improved governance, transparency, and...

This paper investigates the determinants of trend growth and total factor productivity (TFP) growth in the Netherlands, and underscores the importance of boosting structural reforms in the Netherlands. It examines the fiscal incentives and tax deductibility. The paper summarizes recent...

This report summarizes the improved Intermediate Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) of Madagascar, and the new policy orientation of the government. This strategy is based on an objective analysis and precise criteria. It presents the general framework of intervention of the PRSP and an...

This study analyzes the impact of regional cross-listing of stocks on the depth of the stock markets in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It analyzes data from 1990 to 2007 for a panel of 13 stock markets in SSA countries, only some of which have regional cross-listings. Using event study methodology,...

This note, prepared ahead of the G20 Summit (November 15), builds upon the points laid out in the Managing Director’s letter to the Heads of State and Government (November 9). It lays out two tasks ahead for policy makers. Policies for now should cover:(i)implementing and coordinating policies...

Indonesia has improved fiscal transparency; tax legislation has been substantially revised; tax administration is improving; legal and administrative measures have been adopted to improve public sector governance; and important steps have been taken to rationalize government banking arrangements....