Analyses of debt relief that focus on the behavior of debtors and existing creditors understate the incentives for collective action by creditors. It is well known that debt relief could benefit existing creditors by providing incentives for domestic investment by residents of debtor countries....

This paper on Senegal’s Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper discusses the economic, social, and environmental performance of policies, the political and institutional environment, and the constraints weighing on its growth as well as the challenges to be addressed. The shortage of basic...

This paper discusses Ukraine’s Request for Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Cancellation of Stand-by Arrangement (SBA). Despite tangible progress under the SBA, the crisis in Ukraine has increased its balance of payments and adjustment needs beyond what can...

This paper reviews Mali’s 2012–2017 Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy Paper. Mali’s GDP was CFAF 1,741.89 billion in 2012; real growth was ?1.2 percent, that is, excluding inflation (2.7 percent in 2011). The decline of 3.9 points in growth between 2011 and 2012 was finally...

Following the 2008/9 financial crisis and deep recession, a cyclical recovery took hold in Ukraine, supported by a stronger external environment. Efforts to consolidate public finances and repair the banking system began strengthening Ukraine’s resilience to external shocks. More...

This Selected Issues paper examines the implications of lower crude oil prices on Malaysia’s economy. Although Malaysia’s net oil exports are now very small as a share of GDP, its gas exports are sizeable. The paper provides some background on the structure of energy production and...

The cost of energy subsidies is large, and reduces the fiscal space available for public expenditure priorities, including education, health, and infrastructure. Libya’s ample hydrocarbon wealth will allow it to reform subsidies while protecting the poor. A gradual phasing out of...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Canadian economy strengthened in 2013 after a subdued performance in 2012, but the underlying growth has remained modest. Despite the depreciating exchange rate, non-energy exports remained well below the levels reached after earlier...

This paper discusses Senegal’s Sixth Review Under the Policy Support Instrument (PSI) and Request for Modification of an Assessment Criterion. GDP growth is on track to reach 4 percent in 2013 and is projected to increase to 4.6 percent in 2014. Inflation has been declining, following a...

Tanzania’s macroeconomic outlook is favorable with buoyant growth and declining inflation. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended its prudent policy management and progress in stabilizing the economy. The country’s 2012–13 budget appropriately...