This Joint Staff Advisory Note reviews the latest Annual Progress Report (APR) on the implementation of the poverty reduction strategy (PRS) for Benin. The APR assesses progress in implementing the strategy during 2006 and the first half of 2007. The APR indicates that significant progress has...

KEY ISSUES Context. The economy is recovering steadily helped by supportive macroeconomic policies and improved market sentiment. There has been a welcome decline in vulnerabilities but debt levels remain elevated, leaving the economy prone to shocks, and medium-term growth prospects appear...

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that Papua New Guinea’s economy is experiencing an important transition, as new liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and exports commence. With LNG production and exports now starting, resource sector growth is projected to surge in 2015, but...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country.

The economic performance has been positive as tight macroeconomic policies prevailed, helped by a remarkable revenue mobilization effort. None of the key indicator targets were met. Fiscal performance improved, but there was an increase in the overall fiscal deficit. Monetary policy was also...

This paper discusses Morocco’s First Review Under the Arrangement Under the Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL). Significant progress was made in implementing the reform agenda. The program remains broadly on track, and Morocco continues to meet the qualification criteria for a PLL....

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic activity in Algeria has picked up in 2014, with real GDP growth projected to reach 4 percent following 2.8 percent growth in 2013. The hydrocarbon sector is expected to expand for the first time in eight years, while nonhydrocarbon...

This Selected Issues paper focuses on recent developments with Kiribati’s Revenue Equalization Reserve Fund (RERF). The paper also examines fiscal aspects of climate change, and considers options for improving fishing license fees, which remain an important source of revenue. It also...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that Norwegian economy has been performing well, with mainland GDP growing steadily. However, the continuing buildup of assets in the sovereign wealth fund and the increasing share of the mainland economy that is supplying goods and services to the...

This staff report on Iraq’s 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights economic policies and development. Risks to the macroeconomic outlook remain high. The risks can translate into lower oil revenues, deterioration in the fiscal position, pressures to use Central Bank of Iraq reserves for...