This paper provides a number of complementary estimates of potential output and the output gap—variables that cannot be observed directly. After a substantial increase in the tax wedge in the 1970s and the 1980s, which has been widely thought to have been partly responsible for the sharp...

This paper examines Lesotho’s 2001 Article IV Consultation, Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Arrangement, and a Request for Waiver of the Performance Criterion. The economic program remains on track. Key economic indicators are performing as expected, and all...

This Joint Staff Advisory (JSA) Note examines the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) Progress Report for Armenia. Overall, the Progress Report provides evidence of stronger-than-anticipated poverty reduction and economic performance, improvement in the labor market, and a number of other...

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 government’s plans to reform the tax system and administration are well founded. The Central Bank of Aruba is to be commended for its prudent management of monetary policy, as demonstrated by the continued credibility and strength of the peg to the U.S. dollar, buttressed by a robust...

This report analyzes economic developments in Suriname during the 1990s. In 1990–92, real GDP recovered moderately, but inflation accelerated, reaching 58 percent in the 12 months ended December 1992, owing to a further weakening of financial policies. Interest rates became sharply...

The staff report for the First Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility on the Republic of Armenia highlights economic developments and the macroeconomic framework. Armenia’s economy continues to perform strongly. Prudent fiscal and monetary...

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 Swedish economy recovered from the crisis, assisted by a sizable fiscal stimulus. Executive Directors commended the fiscal and monetary frameworks, skillful and proactive management of monetary policy of the Riksbank, the soundness of the financial system, and stressed the need to accelerate...

Slovakia is now one of the fastest-growing EU accession countries. Despite the upswing, the Slovak economy remains hampered by structural weaknesses and related macroeconomic imbalances. Over the medium term, IMF staff believes that Slovakia should aim for an external current account deficit...