This paper presents perhaps the most viable approach for the design of an instrument of government finance (and monetary management) in an Islamic economy where conventional transactions based on an ex-ante promise of a risk-free rate of return are forbidden. Resources to finance government...

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...

Since end-2001, the Government of Afghanistan (GoA) has focused on crisis management, establishing or rebuilding fundamental institutions and basic government services, and maintaining economic stability with the help of the international community. The authorities have made significant strides...

The authorities have made solid progress in rebuilding institutions and implementing sound economic policies, although huge challenges still remain. The IMF has been providing extensive policy advice and technical assistance to the authorities. With the help of the international community, the...

This paper focuses on Afghanistan’s 2004 Article IV Consultation and Second Review Under the Staff-Monitored Program. The authorities have made further progress in rebuilding institutions and implementing sound economic policies. They have maintained their commitment to fiscal discipline. Real...

The paper analyzes the bearing of Islamic teachings on the conduct of fiscal policy. It is shown that Islamic teachings do not prescribe any rigid system of public finance. The major emphasis is on the state’s responsibility to assure at least a basic minimum standard of living for all...

This Selected Issues paper on Bangladesh underlies the export performance of readymade garment industry and inflation dynamics. Bangladesh has demonstrated that it is highly competitive in the world’s major garment markets. Inflation inertia, monetary factors, and exchange rate fluctuations...

Satisfactory progress has been made so far under the first-year poverty reduction and growth facility and the program is on track. Turning this progress into faster and lasting growth requires deeper reform to improve the investment climate and credible action to strengthen governance. The...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country