The staff report for the 2007 Article IV Consultation on Sri Lanka highlights economic growth development and performance. Rising inflation, a high current account deficit, and low unemployment rate indicate that the economy may be operating at full capacity. High stock of public debt, rising...

This paper discusses key findings of the Sixth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Tanzania. Economic growth, inflation, and the external position have evolved in a manner consistent with program objectives, and the program has...

This papers discusses Benin’s third review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement. The re-election of the President and the regained majority in Parliament have provided a window of opportunity for reforms. All performance criteria and most quantitative targets have been met, but...

Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, ranking 146 out of 177 on the United Nations Human Development Index. The country has one of the lowest tax revenue-to-GDP ratios in the world (10.1 percent in 2005). To address these challenges, the authorities are requesting a...

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s 2005 Article IV Consultation reports that domestic credit growth has accelerated, driven by strong demand from the government, public enterprises, and the private sector. High import content, particularly from public infrastructure...

The Second Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement with St. Kitts and Nevis highlights that economic activity continued to contract in 2011 while the current account balance improved and banks remained sound. All quantitative performance criteria for end-December 2011 were met, and the structural...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review for the Central African Republic (CAR) under the three-year arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Short-term fiscal policy of the CAR attempts to stabilize demand through government spending while preserving...

The current cyclical upswing underscores the potential of the Polish economy with regard to EU accession and in the face of favorable global growth prospects. The current juncture offers good opportunities to lock in improved economic performance. Uncertainties remain regarding reducing the...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review for Burundi under the three-year arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). All quantitative and structural performance criteria for March 2009 were met, and structural reforms are on track. In the near term, the...

The staff report for Ireland’s fifth review under the Extended Arrangement states that financial sector reforms continued to advance, with the two structural benchmarks for end-2011 observed. In particular, targets for bank deleveraging in 2011 were met, with almost €15 billion of...