This Selected Issues paper and Statistical Appendix sheds light on the Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia’s low growth and high unemployment during the 1990s by analyzing enterprise level data. The paper provides some background information on FYR Macedonia’s enterprise sector. It...

This Selected Issues paper assesses the desired level of foreign exchange reserves in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, given its commitment to maintain the exchange rate peg. A variety of methods including popular rules of thumb, comparisons with other emerging countries, and...

This paper evaluates the 2003 Article IV Consultation and a Request for a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRM). The Article IV policy discussions focused on regaining a sustainable fiscal and external position, restarting economic growth and job...

This Selected Issues paper and Statistical Appendix formulates a medium-term fiscal framework for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRM) and discusses the tensions that are likely to arise in formulating policy measures. The paper reviews recent fiscal developments and the 2002 budget....

This 2001 Article IV Consultation highlights that after three consecutive years of generally favorable performance, the economy of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRM) suffered a setback in 2001 because of a six-month security crisis. Output declined markedly and new outlays on...

KEY ISSUES Context. Growth continues to strengthen, although the recovery is not yet broad-based. External and fiscal vulnerabilities have risen: private non-debt creating capital flows have slowed, and could leave the reserve path increasingly driven by an accumulation of external public debt;...

Growth accelerated to 3.1 percent in 2013, driven by a positive net exports contribution. The broad policy direction is supportive of near term macroeconomic stability. The key challenge is to transition from stability into an acceleration of medium term growth. Uncertainty with respect to EU...

This Selected Issues paper on Former Yugoslav Republic (FYR) of Macedonia investigates the macroeconomic impact of remittances on long-run external sustainability and growth. The paper presents stylized facts pertaining to the characteristics of remittances in Macedonia, highlighting their...

KEY ISSUES The jobs and growth agenda should remain a top policy priority, with efforts focused on relaxing key constraints for domestic firms. Priorities include properly implementing and monitoring recent initiatives to enforce payment discipline in both public and private sector contracts, as...

The broad-based GDP growth supported by public investment, improved credit and labor market conditions, and robust exports is expected to moderate in the near term. Domestic political uncertainties and the crisis in Greece constitute significant downside risks. Fiscal policy space built up in...