This paper develops and tests a model of Japan’s household savings rate, based on the life-cycle hypothesis that the primary motive for savings is provision for retirement. The paper shows that Japan’s high household savings rate in recent decades reflects the positive influence of rapid...

This paper discusses key findings of the 2005 Status Report on Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) on Niger. The report is based on an assessment of economic and financial performance and sectoral policy and strategy implementation in 2005. The findings reveal that implementation of the...

This strategic paper discusses Ethiopia’s growth and transformation plan (GTP) for the periods 2010/2011 and 2014/2015. The basis for the GTP has been the policy matrix, which is the benchmark placed in the government's existing Welfare Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System since 1996....

This Joint Staff Advisory Note (JSAN) reviews the Kenya Vision 2030 (the Vision) First Medium-Term Plan (MTP) 2008–12 prepared by the government of Kenya. IMF staff finds that the objectives of the MTP are generally compelling and well considered on a sector-by-sector basis, but less so...

This paper discusses implementation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) in Mauritania. The second phase of the PRSP is accompanied by a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2006–10. MTEF determines the overall cost of the action plan in terms of both current and capital...

In the aftermath of the revolution of 2011, Libya faces the complex task of rebuilding its economy, infrastructure, and institutions, and responding to the demands of the population, especially for improved governance. The conflict that accompanied the revolution had a severe impact on the...

This Selected Issues paper on United States 2012 Article IV Consultation discusses rebound of manufacturing production. The U.S. share in global manufacturing production declined through most of the past three decades, but it has stabilized since the Great Recession. It currently represents...