This Selected Issues paper presents an overview of financial system developments in Jamaica. The financial system experienced substantial growth over 1989–95 as a result of the liberalization of financial markets and the reduction in government involvement in the industry through the...

The Burundian government has requested a modification of the zero limit on nonconcessional external debt in the country’s arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). It has sought to increase the grant element of the financing for the hydroelectric plant. Executive Directors support...

This report of the Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) indicates that the envisaged strategy of a partial substitution of domestic debt by increased inflows of external grants and concessional loans, as well as a rescheduling of external debt by the Paris and London Clubs, would facilitate the...

The paper suggests steps to improve the efficiency of the foreign exchange market in Jamaica, and to promote its development. The financial system in Jamaica has undergone significant improvements. The most pressing problem continues to be inadequate liquidity. The results of various approaches...

Timor-Leste weathered the global financial crisis well and experienced healthy economic growth rates. It has made solid progress in strengthening the public financial management systems. The budget document provides comprehensive information; fiscal transparency is high. The Ministry of Finance...

Economic outcomes in Jamaica have fallen short of the authorities’ objectives in recent years. As the government looks to reinvigorate its growth and debt reduction strategy, it is instructive to examine how exogenous shocks and other unanticipated developments can affect economic outcomes....

This paper presents a debt sustainability analysis for St. Lucia. The medium-term scenario prepared by the IMF staff assumes continued fiscal consolidation and thus is compatible with sustainable debt levels even in the presence of adverse economic shocks. Stress tests show that stabilizing the...

Mexico’s growth process in trend and cyclical factors, with implications for policy decisions, is discussed. Mexico’s trade integration has been important for growth. But the high export growth experienced has been followed by a more muted performance. Reforms to improve productivity are...

This Selected Issues and Statistical Appendix paper on Bosnia and Herzegovina provides background information for the 1999 Article IV Consultation with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The economy has been dominated by a small number of large state-owned enterprises. A central policy was settled during...