In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country.

The Republic of Palau is a small island economy, heavily dependent on tourism and external assistance. Economic growth has been modest in the last few years and inflation is low. The authorities launched a wide range of reform initiatives since 2001, but several important ones have stalled in...

This Selected Issues paper for euro area policies analyzes the product market regulation and benefits of wage moderation. The paper identifies structural shifts in the relationship between wages and unemployment rates—a “wage curveâ€â€”in 20 industrial countries. It reviews...

Romania showed progress in stabilization and reform, facilitated by substantial fiscal and external adjustments, under the Stand-By Arrangement. Executive Directors commended these developments, and emphasized the need to improve fiscal and monetary policies, and accelerate structural reforms....

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Mauritian economy has weathered the global economic slowdown relatively well. Economic output is expected to expand by about 5.3 percent in 2001/02 (July–June), only slightly below its trend rate of growth of the past 20 years. Tourism...

This Selected Issues paper discusses the issues related to reforms and growth in New Zealand. The paper analyzes the record on growth and productivity outcomes in a comparative perspective. The study provides a brief history of the industrial relations in New Zealand leading up the passage of...

These Technical Notes on France explain integration of global financial markets. The stress tests for the France Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) were designed to yield as comprehensive and detailed a picture as possible within the constraints of the approach. Retail activity by...

This Selected Issues paper of the Republic of Estonia reviews the current account deficits, sustainability, and external solvency in the Baltic countries. The paper describes labor market trends in Estonia after the transition, institutional makeup of the market, and its effects on unemployment....

The Joint Staff Assessment (JSA) of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report on Kenya reviews poverty reduction strategy. The Investment Program for the Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (IP-ERS) that the government of Kenya has recently submitted to the...

The transitional program is broadly on track and quantitative program targets have been met, but structural reforms have been delayed. There are still risks to revenues and expenditures from possible judicial decisions, and the fiscal program may need to be adapted for changes in the...