This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the fiscal deficit in Georgia widened markedly in 2008. The composition of spending improved from high defense and election outlays in the first half of the year to infrastructure and social spending in the second half. Executive Directors have...

A 28-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for the Dominican Republic was introduced against the global recession. The main objective of the program is to limit the procyclicality of policies. The countercyclical macroeconomic program improved confidence and fostered aggregate demand. Monetary policy...

Ukraine’s economic downturn has been sharper than originally envisaged, mostly reflecting the deterioration of the external environment. The staff report examines Ukraine’s first review under the Stand-By Arrangement, requests for Waivers of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria,...

This paper presents key findings of the First Review for Burundi under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Economic growth in Burundi increased to 4.5 percent in 2008, mainly because of a good coffee harvest and more donor-financed projects. The economic outlook is generally...

The staff report on Guatemala’s 2009 Article IV Consultation and Second Review under the Stand-By Arrangement, and Requests for Modification of Performance Criterion and Consultation Clause are presented. There are signs that the Guatemalan economy is starting to recover. Real GDP growth...

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) macroeconomic performance during 2007–08 was strong, with growth especially in the construction and services sectors. Annual average inflation accelerated, driven by domestic demand pressures. Executive Directors have commended the authorities for their...

Croatia’s economy is also saddled with more pervasive rigidities and higher government involvement than many of its transition peers. The Croatian National Bank (CNB) pursued proactive policies, which helped ensure financial sector stability. A stable nominal exchange rate provided an...

Central African Republic (C.A.R) showed satisfactory performance amidst difficult conditions under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) arrangement. Executive Directors commended the authorities' efforts to consolidate peace and security and pursue macroeconomic stabilization and...

This paper describes Liberia’s First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Nonobservance of a Performance Criterion and Modification of Performance Criteria. Nonresource real GDP growth, in particular, while still on an upward trend has been...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that sustained and bold reforms, prudent macroeconomic management, and a favorable external environment enabled the Egyptian economy to register another year of impressive performance. Growth remained high and has become more broad based, creating...