Owing to poor infrastructure, limited administrative capacity, and nascent institutions, Timor-Leste is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. During the turmoil, two-thirds of the physical infrastructure is estimated to have been destroyed. Executive Directors stressed that...

The current government has succeeded in reorienting economic policies after a series of shocks and an initial weak policy response. Revised real GDP growth targets are feasible with sustained prudent macroeconomic policies and institutional reforms. The medium-term macroeconomic framework...

This paper assesses Romania’s Third Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and a Request for Waiver of Performance Criterion. Romania’s macroeconomic performance continued to be favorable, but slippages in wage policy and privatization delayed the completion of the third review....

This Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper for Nicaragua reports that the most pressing demand for the majority of Nicaraguans is employment generation and economic growth. The National Development Plan (NDP) gives priority to actions that improve the investment climate and promote productive...

This paper examines the Republic of Mozambique’s 2002 Article IV Consultation, Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), and a Request for an Extension of the PRGF Arrangement. Economic activity in Mozambique has recovered strongly from the devastating floods...

Vietnam's economic recovery from the spillover effects of the Asian crisis has continued and the pace of policy reform has stepped up. The government's program seeks to build on this record and policy momentum. A cautious fiscal stance will ensure a sustainable public debt burden. The...

This Selected Issues paper and Statistical Appendix analyzes economic developments in Lithuania during 1996–99. The paper discusses macroeconomic developments and policies in detail. It discusses the importance of fiscal prudence in maintaining sustainable fiscal and external positions...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Luxembourg authorities are adjusting policies to the growth slowdown, although major new initiatives are on hold in the run-up to the June 2004 general election. Tax cuts, high expenditure, and weak activity are estimated to have caused a...

The United Kingdom (U.K.) economy has weathered the global slowdown well, supported by an countercyclical monetary policy and an expansionary fiscal stance. Executive Directors welcomed this developments, and stressed the need to tighten monetary, fiscal, and macroeconomic policies. They...

Japan has made progress in addressing major economic challenges. Executive Directors emphasized for a comprehensive program designed to resolve financial and corporate sector weaknesses, end deflation, and rein in fiscal imbalances. They stressed the need to maintain strong fiscal and monetary...