Since beginning economic transition, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia have—with much success—employed diverse exchange rate regimes. As these countries approach EU accession, they will need to avoid the perils of too much or too little exchange rate variability when...

This study examines the relationship between the foreign exchange regime and macroeconomic performance in Eastern Africa. The study focuses on seven countries, five of which decisively liberalized their foreign exchange regimes. The study assesses the relationship between (i) growth and various...

Malta has advanced toward accession to the European Union (EU), and its progress in international competition and fiscal deficit reduction has contributed to rapid growth and enhanced the economy's resilience to economic shocks. Executive Directors stressed the need for fiscal consolidation,...

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that in 2001, the South African economy felt the impact of a slowdown in global economic activity, which interrupted the modest upturn that started late in 1998. Driven mainly by a contraction in overseas demand that lowered export prices and volumes,...

This Selected Issues paper describes the revenue instability and its consequences for Suriname. It explores some options for policy rules that could be considered in the case of Suriname. The paper analyzes inflation in Suriname from its historical and international perspectives, reviews the...

This Selected Issues paper attempts to uncover the long-term determinants of the demand for foreign exchange reserves in Tunisia. It assesses the adequacy of current and projected reserves holdings in light of the country’s policy choices. The paper describes recent trends in foreign...

This Selected Issues paper reviews the benefits and costs of reserves for Chile, with emphasis on standard methodologies for assessing reserve adequacy. It reports an empirical methodology that analyzes simultaneously key explanatory variables behind a country’s level of reserves. The...

Over the past decade or so, Tunisia has experienced a strong economic performance while pursuing a constant real exchange rate rule (CRERR). The limitations of this rule are now beginning to emerge in the context of a more open economy, regional integration, a more market-based monetary policy,...

The authorities have made solid progress in rebuilding institutions and implementing sound economic policies, although huge challenges still remain. The IMF has been providing extensive policy advice and technical assistance to the authorities. With the help of the international community, the...

We review the literature on Dutch disease, and document that shocks that trigger foreign exchange inflows (such as natural resource booms, surges in foreign aid, remittances, or capital inflows) appreciate the real exchange rate, generate factor reallocation, and reduce manufacturing output and...