This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that in a context of weakening economic conditions in Europe and sizeable fiscal consolidation and domestic policy uncertainty, the French economy flat lined in 2012. However, recent improvements in economic indicators support the expectation of a...

The staff report for the 2008 Article IV Consultation of the Federated States of Micronesia examines economic developments and policies. Growth could recover modestly in the near term as falling commodity prices boost real incomes and progress is made on spending unused compact infrastructure...

Benin’s Fifth Review under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and request for waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria are discussed. The main challenge ahead is to limit inflation pressures from higher food and fuel prices while sustaining medium-term fiscal consolidation...

Israel was mildly affected by the global recession: following a slowdown in 2009, output is projected to grow by some 4 percent in 2010, led by consumption and exports. Robust fundamentals—including sustained pre-crisis fiscal consolidation—and a swift monetary and fiscal policy...

This Selected Issues paper highlights key policy challenges for accelerating growth on a sustainable basis and reducing external and financial vulnerabilities in the Republic of Croatia. A significant reduction in public expenditure would be needed to simultaneously provide room for cutting...

The economic growth of Lao P.D.R. was buoyed by mining and hydropower sectors, garment exports, non-regional tourism, and FDI inflows following the recovery from the global economic crisis. The Bank of Lao P.D.R. (BoL) also raised its overdraft lending rate. Net domestic assets of the BoL...

Despite the global financial and economic crisis, implementation of the government’s economic and financial program was broadly satisfactory. Growth was sustained, and the balance of payments improved markedly. The implementation of structural reforms with regard to state enterprises and...

Togo’s economic performance continued its gradual improvement, marking progress in overcoming the legacy of its protracted domestic crisis. The program has broadly achieved its objectives for growth and macroeconomic stability. The improving economic performance and sound policies have...

St. Lucia faces structural challenges that need to be addressed to raise growth durably and reduce poverty. Implementation of planned tax reforms is important to achieve fiscal sustainability. The government’s plans to accelerate tourism-related public investment carry significant risks....