This paper discusses Sierra Leone’s First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement, Request for Modification of Performance Criteria (PC), and Financing Assurances Review. Program performance has been strong. All PCs were met with comfortable margins, and all indicative...

This Selected Issues paper examines how surges in global financial market volatility spill over to emerging market economies (EMs) including India. The results suggest that a surge in global financial market volatility is transmitted very strongly to key macroeconomic and financial variables of...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that recent economic developments in Myanmar have been positive. Growth is estimated to have risen to 6½ percent in FY2012/13 (April–May), driven by gas production, construction and services while inflation climbed to 4.7 percent in March...

This staff report on United Arab Emirates 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights economic policies and development. Against a backdrop of political stability, confidence has further increased, tourism has been firm, demand from expatriates from the broader region has increased, and capital...

A conservative minority government took office in October 2013, ending eight years of Labor party-led governments. No major policy shift has taken place so far, but the government’s economic policy platform emphasizes lower taxes, more infrastructure investment, greater private ownership,...

This paper focuses on common policies for member countries of Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC). It highlights that the fiscal stance should be more cautious in some countries where policy buffers are insufficient to withstand shocks. The recent easing of monetary policy...

This paper studies the main sources for growth in Algeria within a cross-country analysis and draws policy recommendations to support faster growth. In Section 1, a growth accounting exercise framework has been explained, and in Section 2, the determinants for growth are identified. This study...

This paper discusses Uganda’s Third Review Under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI). Supported by generally sound policies, Uganda’s economic performance was positive in FY2013/14. All quantitative assessment criteria and structural benchmarks were met, and the authorities have...

Elections: The candidate of the ruling coalition Frente Amplio, former president Tabaré Vazquez, won the presidency and will take office in March 2015. With Frente Amplio retaining majority in both houses of Parliament, broad continuity in macroeconomic policy making is expected. Focus: Amid...