This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for Albania. The outlook for 2007 is positive, with growth projected at 6 percent. These developments owe much to good macroeconomic policies. All quantitative program targets were met. The...

Economic stability of the Philippines was discussed in this report. Private investment remained low by regional standards, but there are tentative signs of a revival. These developments and favorable global conditions led to a surge in foreign exchange inflows and the external value of the peso....

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that real GDP growth has slowed following the decline in oil prices, the non-oil fiscal position has become tighter, and banks’ financial situation has weakened. The recent approval of an ambitious energy price...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Niger. Growth prospects for 2007 are favorable, particularly because of strong agricultural production and buoyant investments. Inflation remains low. Growth prospects for the medium...

Malta’s financial sector has so far weathered the global turmoil relatively unscathed; the real economy has been decelerating since the last quarter of 2008. The staff report for Malta’s 2009 Article IV Consultation underlies economic developments and policies. The fiscal position...

The staff report on Belarus’ Third Review under the Stand-By Arrangement is examined. Belarus is beginning to emerge from the crisis. Output loss has been limited relative to neighbors, inflation has fallen, the foreign exchange market has stabilized, and de-dollarization is under way,...

The purpose of this study is to analyze the sources of economic growth in Ukraine, which has been observed from the second half of 1999. In addition, we intend to answer the question what is the sustainability of this growth, i.e. putting in other words, what are the chances and conditions for...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Libyan economy remains largely state controlled and heavily dependent on the oil sector. Since the lifting of the Libya-specific trade sanctions of the United Nation and United States in September 2003 and September 2004, respectively, the...

Economic conditions are improving in Sri Lanka, and are likely to show strong growth. The current account remains strong, and tourism arrivals are rapidly improving. Monetary conditions are stable, and the central bank’s policy stance is appropriate. Reforming the board of investment will...

Serbia’s Second Review under the Stand-By Arrangement and requests for Waiver of Performance Criterion are examined. The contraction in GDP has been limited relative to regional comparators, but absorption and external trade have fallen faster than expected. Foreign parent banks have rolled...