The political and security environment remains uncertain in Libya. Libya faces the challenges of stabilizing the economy and responding to the aspirations of the revolution. The near-term outlook is favorable, but there are significant risks. The overarching policy objective should be to foster...

In this study, Armenia’s financial challenges observed in the global crisis are discussed, and also the development processes initiated by Armenia are analyzed. Short- and medium-term outlooks, and risks are also outlined. Fiscal, monetary, and banking sector policies play important roles...

Timor-Leste has made substantial progress toward restoring stability and rebuilding the country after emerging from a long struggle for independence and internal conflicts between 1999 and 2006. The government has launched its Strategic Development Plan to step up development. A well-managed...

The IMF has approved an exceptional access Stand-By Arrangement for Latvia. The program is part of a coordinated international effort that has improved financial and economic stability. By early 2008, the fast growth has leveled off but severe vulnerabilities turned the slowdown into a crisis....

This Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya’s 2008 Article IV Consultation is focused on containing public expenditure to reduce inflation pressures, strengthening the monetary policy framework, and advancing financial sector reforms. Libya’s macroeconomic performance has...

The analysis in this paper suggests that the large fiscal deficits that Pakistan has experienced over most of the period since 1970 led to some crowding out of private investment, resulting in slower output growth than would otherwise have been observed. Past fiscal deficits have also resulted...

In 2003, Guinea's macroeconomic management deteriorated significantly, and the prospects for 2003 are uncertain at best. Performance under the 2002–03 poverty reduction and growth facility (PRGF)-supported program is weak. The main challenge is to promote and sustain the strong private...

This paper assesses the First Review Under the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP) for Afghanistan. The authorities have met all of the indicative quantitative targets set out under the SMP and all the structural benchmarks, except the benchmark on licensing of commercial banks, which was only partly...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that in 2003, the economy of Ireland rebounded with GNP growing by almost 3 percent. Recent indicators suggest that activity has continued to strengthen in 2004. During 2003, inflation decelerated and is now close to the euro area average. Most...