Uzbekistan embarked on an ambitious reform path in 2017, starting to liberalize its economy after years of state control. Incomes are still relatively low compared to other emerging economies. Uzbekistan entered the COVID-19 crisis with relatively strong macro-economic fundamentals

The authorities are requesting additional interim HIPC assistance from the Fund in the amount of SDR 680,000 (Appendix I) to cover the period March 25, 2021- March 24, 2022. The interim HIPC assistance will be applied to cover 100 percent of eligible debt service to the IMF falling due over the...

Economic performance has been much better than expected, in part due to the authorities' forceful policy response. Nevertheless, Brazil's long-standing challenges of low growth, high debt, and elevated levels of poverty and inequality have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Tragically, more than...