This paper examines the Progress Report for Albania’s National Strategy for Socio-Economic Development (NSSED). 2002 was the first year of implementing the NSSED. The implementation process has been oriented toward achieving the annual objectives and in accordance with the program of...

The paper estimates the impact of macroeconomic supply- and demand-side determinants of tourism, one of the largest components of services exports globally, and the backbone of many smaller economies. It applies the gravity model to a large dataset comprising the full universe of bilateral...

This paper examines how international remittances are affected by structural characteristics, macroeconomic conditions, and adverse shocks in both source and recipient economies. We exploit a novel, rich panel data set, covering bilateral remittances from 103 Italian provinces to 107 developing...

This paper quantifies the effect of realized and potential global growth disappointments on export volumes from the Middle East, North Africa, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Estimates of export elasticities with respect to trading partner GDP indicate non-oil export volumes are relatively...

This paper discusses an arrangement under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) for Colombia. Colombia is well placed to confront challenges posed by the ongoing global downturn. Access under an FCL arrangement of SDR 6.966 billion, which the authorities intend to treat as precautionary, would support...

The report highlights IMF's projections and estimates of Lebanon's central government operations, revenue and grants, and expenditure by economic classification, government debt, monetary survey, commercial bank interest rates on Lebanese pound transactions and U.S. dollar transactions during...

This paper discusses 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights slower economic performance and financial risks in Botswana. The output growth is expected to remain broadly unchanged in 2013 as strong nonmining sector growth would offset the subdued mining output. Banks’ high exposure to...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that Egypt's economic performance since 2004 has been generally impressive, underpinned by a supportive external environment and the structural reform program that has included the liberalization of foreign trade, investment, and the exchange market....