This background paper describes five different tools that can be used for the assessment of tax incentives by governments in low income countries' (LICs). The first tool (an application of cost-benefit analysis) provides an overarching framework for assessment. Evaluations of the various costs...

This paper develops a model of an open economy which employs distortionary taxes to finance public consumption, and with an access to the world capital market. The paper examines the efficiency of quantity restrictions on capital exports and the accompanying set of taxes. A distinction is made...

Multilateral Consultations are a new tool of multilateral surveillance for the IMF, designed to foster action-oriented debate and policy actions on a problem of systemic or regional importance. The first multilateral consultation focused on facilitating the resolution of global imbalances while...

This paper analyzes the strategic role of investment from a debtor country’s perspective. The framework is one in which, if the debtor country is unable to meet debt obligations, a bargaining regime determines the amount of debt repayment. In the context of a two-country real trade model, debt...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that a broad-based economic upturn is under way in Sweden, spurred by strong global growth and supportive fiscal and monetary policies. Private consumption has served as the engine of expansion, supported by resurgence in investment and buoyant...

In Sweden, the authorities have indicated that their medium-term fiscal strategy is based on restraining expenditures through nominal ceilings and maintaining a fiscal surplus target of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), measured as an average over the cycle. The mission has praised the...

This Selected Issues paper on Sweden analyzes possible adjustments to the fiscal framework that the authorities may wish to consider. The paper starts with a brief description of Sweden’s fiscal framework, followed by an assessment of the framework’s strengths and weaknesses. The scope for...