This paper examines Colombia’s 2002 Article IV Consultation and Request for Stand-By Arrangement. The economic situation worsened in the first half of 2002. Economic activity has remained sluggish, and the fiscal consolidation has gone off-track. Exacerbated by increased contagion from...

This 2003 Article IV Consultation highlights that Morocco’s growth performance over the last decade has not been strong enough to reduce poverty. Growth has also been volatile because of the impact of recurrent drought conditions on agricultural output. Economic conditions improved in...

Indonesia’s Fourth Post-Program Monitoring discussions highlight that short-term macroeconomic indicators and near-term prospects have deteriorated. Financial sector vulnerabilities have increased in the face of rising interest rates and a slowing economy, but the overall banking sector...

This paper examines foreign exchange intervention practices and their effectiveness using a new qualitative and quantitative database for a panel of 15 economies covering 2004 - 10, with special focus on Latin America. Qualitatively, it examines institutional aspects such as declared motives,...

Tanzania’s performance ranks among the best for non-oil exporting countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2008/09 budget will aim at maintaining hard-won fiscal stability in the face of large spending needs and uncertain financing. Tighter budget constraints highlight the need to further...

The Mongolian financial system is dominated by commercial banks. The nonbank financial sector, including insurance and the stock market, is small. The current level of dollarization exposes Mongolia’s financial system to risk. The authorities are in the process of establishing the...

The Irish authorities are adopting consolidation measures to meet the original fiscal targets as well as implementing structural reforms in the labor market and sheltered sectors to enhance competitiveness. Strengthened euro area support for Ireland’s growth and debt sustainability would...

This Selected Issues paper on Colombia shows that achieving investment grade status would help lower financing costs for the sovereign, and expand the pool of potential buyers of the Colombian economy. Colombia’s debt levels as of end-2008 were broadly similar to the average for...

Mexico’s strong policy framework has helped cushion the impact of the global crisis. The staff report highlights Mexico’s review under the Flexible Credit Line Arrangement. The flexible exchange rate has adjusted, the inflation targeting framework has provided an anchor for...