This Selected Issues paper highlights that the authorities in the Republic of Korea recognize the pension policy challenges ahead, and a first wave of reforms has already been launched. Despite the reforms to date, much remains to be done. Without further reforms, the public pension systems in...

This paper reviews the Poverty Reduction Strategy Annual Evaluation Report 2005 for Moldova. Economic growth and income redistribution policies promoted in the context of Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EGPRS) implementation contributed to higher incomes and improved access of...

This Selected Issues paper assesses the long-term fiscal position of Canada. Simulations based on current tax and spending policies suggest that the fiscal position will remain favorable until well into the middle of the century, and relatively modest adjustments would be required to make these...

Long-term issues continue to dominate the economic policy agenda. The economy is expected to grow at a moderate pace. The challenge from aging is becoming more pressing, calling for sustained fiscal consolidation. The elaboration of a medium-term fiscal framework based on expenditure growth...

Austria’s 2004 Article IV Consultation reports that the economy has continued to perform relatively well, unemployment is among the lowest in the European Union, and competitiveness remains strong. Also, a gradual recovery is under way and short-term economic prospects are positive,...

Traditional fiscal indicators focused on measures of current deficits and debt miss the potentially important implications of current policies for future public finances. This could be problematic, including in the case of Europe, where population aging is expected to pose additional fiscal...

The implementation of Georgia’s poverty reduction strategy has proceeded well, with impressive achievements in curbing corruption, improving the business climate, and continued improvement in public finances. Particular emphasis should be given to enhancing macroeconomic management,...

This paper presents the Joint Staff Assessment of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) for Mali. The PRSP finalized by the Malian authorities in May 2002 presents a credible policy framework to reduce poverty. The PRSP acknowledges the need for further work to systematize participation...

The Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper Progress Report on Georgia evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the poverty reduction objectives and strategies. Participation of stakeholders in the poverty reduction strategy process has been satisfactory. The...

This paper discusses the evaluation of technical assistance (TA) and training provided by the Statistical Department (STA) of the IMF to Peru during 1993–2011. The results showed that TA was reasonably effective, especially in the areas of government finance statistics, and responded well...