This paper analyses the fiscal effects of armed conflict and terrorism on low- and middle-income countries. An analysis of 22 conflict episodes shows that armed conflict is associated with lower growth and higher inflation, and has adverse effects on tax revenues and investment. It also leads to...

This paper discusses key findings of the Detailed Assessment of the Securities Clearance and Settlement Systems for Denmark. The assessment recommends that securities settlement systems should have a well-founded, clear, and transparent legal basis in the relevant jurisdiction. Confirmation of...

Romania’s GDP growth averaged more than 6½ percent per year from 2003 to 2008, as foreign direct investment and capital inflows helped finance high consumption and investment growth. The staff report for Romania’s request for a Stand-By Arrangement is also elaborated. Robust...

This paper presents Mexico’s detailed assessment report on antimoney laundering and combating the financing of terrorism. Powerful drug cartels, resorting to extreme violence, have extended their activities across various parts of the country, and these activities pose significant...

This paper discusses key findings of the Detailed Assessment of Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for Denmark. It describes and analyzes AML/CFT measures in place in Denmark, and provides recommendations on how certain aspects of the system could be...

This paper is focused on a detailed assessment report on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating the Financing of Terrorism for Qatar. There is no fundamental principle in Qatari law that would prohibit the courts from applying the money laundering offense to the person who has committed the...

This paper examines the role of Japan against that of China in the exchange rate regime in East Asia in light of growing interest in forming a currency union in the region. The analysis suggests that currency unions with China tend to generate higher average welfare gains for East Asian...

Since the 1997 Asian currency crisis, new interest has emerged in the formation of a common currency area in East Asia. This paper provides estimates of trade and welfare effects of East Asian currency unions, using a micro-founded gravity model. Counter-factual experiments to assess the effects...

The “middle-income trap” is the phenomenon of hitherto rapidly growing economies stagnating at middle-income levels and failing to graduate into the ranks of high-income countries. In this study we examine the middle-income trap as a special case of growth slowdowns, which are identified as...

This paper looks at the empirical record whether big infrastructure and public capital drives have succeeded in accelerating economic growth in low-income countries. It looks at big long-lasting drives in public capital spending, as these were arguably clear and exogenous policy decisions. On...