This paper is based on an internal report prepared by the IMF staff in connection with the application of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic (Czechoslovakia) for membership in the IMF. The paper surveys the economic system that had developed up to the time of the reforms begun in 1987 and...

This paper analyzes the determinants of growth in 25 transition economies during 1990–97. The paper’s main finding is that macroeconomic stabilization, structural reform, and reduction of government expenditures are key to achieving sustainable growth. Although the initial effect of reforms...

Iran has received much attention from a geopolitical and regional standpoint, but its economic challenges have not attracted a similar degree of interest. With a population of 69 million, considerable hydrocarbon resources, a dynamic and entrepreneurial middle class, and a relatively...

This study, another in the series focusing on special issues in transition, reviews the experience of output decline and recovery in the 25 countries of eastern and central Europe and the Baltics, Russia, and other countries of the former Soviet Union. Although these countries began the process...

Burkina Faso's sustained adjustment effort has been supported by the IMF under successive programs since 1991. Macroeconomic performance was favorable in 1999. Monetary policy is conducted at the regional level by the Central Bank for West African States and remained prudent. In 1999 and early...

Five priority programs were identified to help stabilize the economy and lay the groundwork for equitable growth. The government's priority with this core strategy is to enhance macroeconomic management, government operations, and effective fiscal management to promote domestic and international...

This paper examines Cambodia’s 2002 Article IV Consultation and Sixth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Supported by inflows of development aid, economic activity regained vitality in 1999. The government’s macroeconomic strategy, which was supported by a PRGF...

Madagascar showed satisfactory performance under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program. Executive Directors agreed that the crisis has undermined the timely achievement of the program, requiring the government to redouble its efforts. They welcomed the 2003 budget and stressed...

The government embarked on a reform program in early 1999 to revive the momentum and policy measures that had been interrupted in 1997 and 1998 owing to the regional financial crisis and internal political turmoil. Monetary and exchange rate policies in 1999 were also supportive of improved...

This paper assesses the Russian Federation’s 2001 Article IV Consultation and Post-Program Monitoring Discussions. Improved economic performance and reduced external vulnerability were reflected in a strengthening of financial market indicators in 2001. The Russian stock market doubled in U.S....