This paper discusses the Financial System Stability Assessment for South Africa, and reviews the Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes on Securities Regulation. The assessment reveals that South Africa’s sophisticated financial system is fundamentally sound and has so far...

An update on Saudi Arabia’s Financial System Stability Assessment (FSAP) is presented. Saudi Arabia has confronted the global financial crisis from a position of strength, and took decisive steps to manage the impact of the crisis. As a result, the financial system has weathered the...

This 2012 Article IV Consultation highlights that despite a difficult economic and social context, Burundi has made steady, though uneven, progress in implementing its Extended Credit Facility (ECF)-supported economic reforms. Real GDP growth is estimated to have increased to 4.2 percent in...

Mozambique continues to show a strong economic performance. The inflation expectations require a tightening of the macroeconomic policy mix. Executive Directors commended the role of government in sustaining economic growth by accelerating the public investment program. Engaging development...

The current account deficit in Bulgaria, which doubled in 2005 to 11.8 percent of GDP, deteriorated further to 14.6 percent of GDP during the first four months of 2006. The current account deficit continues to be substantially financed by foreign direct investment (FDI) flows. Fiscal policy has...

Sierra Leone’s economic activity is expanding, and the medium-term outlook is favorable. Real GDP growth picked up to about 5 percent in 2010–11, while the commencement of an iron ore megaproject in 2012 is expected to boost GDP and exports substantially. Fiscal tightening, through...

The 2006 Article IV Consultation on the Philippines discusses stronger exports and reduced inflation, with the 12-month rate back within the inflation target. Remittances have continued to grow strongly, and the balance of payments received additional support in the second half of 2006 from...

Despite the effects of the international crisis, real nonhydrocarbon GDP (NHGDP) growth in 2009 exceeded the average of 6 percent. Algeria’s good economic performance supported by the authorities’ prudent fiscal and monetary policies and the favorable external environment are...

Bulgaria's macroeconomic performance in the face of the prolonged slowdown in the EU has been impressive, but risks have intensified. The response of fiscal policy to these risks has been adequate. Plans to increase reliance on state enterprises to carry out public sector activities are...