The 2007 Article IV Consultation with the Kingdom of the Netherlands explains fiscal policy and financial sector issues. Improvements in the macroeconomic and business environments and technological innovation have contributed positively to Dutch competitiveness. Executive Directors emphasized...

The 2006 Article IV Consultation on San Marino explains financial sector development and stability. A wide-ranging reform of the regulatory framework and supervision is under way to modernize the financial sector and make it conform to international standards. Executive Directors encouraged to...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that Italy’s economy is enjoying a broad-based, if comparatively modest, cyclical upswing. Output is estimated to have grown by 1¾ percent in 2006—the strongest pace since the beginning of the decade. Inflation is close to that of the...

This paper presents a Joint Staff Advisory Note on Kenya’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers. Kenya is implementing the three-tiered East Africa Community (EAC) common external tariff and needs to develop a trade strategy, in agreement with other EAC members, that further lowers trade...

This Joint Staff Advisory Note reviews the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) 2006–10 and the Annual Progress Report for Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The government of PDR approved the Sixth NSEDP 2006–10 (PRSP) in June 2006. The NSEDP provides a...

The political and security focus has shifted from post-conflict needs to consolidating gains on peace and stability. Macroeconomic stability has been re-established, and debt relief has improved the debt sustainability outlook. This enabled a gradual switch in policy priorities toward creating...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) Arrangement for Burundi. Macroeconomic performance under the PRGF-supported program in 2006 was broadly in line with the program. All end-June and end-September 2006 quantitative...

The staff report for the Fifth and Sixth Reviews Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Arrangement discusses Zambia’s strong macroeconomic performance and budget execution. High copper prices and extensive debt relief helped to strengthen Zambia’s external position and...

Luxembourg’s 2006 Article IV Consultation reports that the dominant financial sector has supported a steady rebound in economic activity. Growth is projected to remain healthy in the near term, but trend growth may decline as the rapid financial sector expansion may decelerate. The...