Finland’s 2008 Article IV Consultation shows that spillovers from the global turmoil are adversely affecting activity and may weaken the financial system. From a cyclical perspective, a fiscal structural loosening is warranted. Its effectiveness in Finland’s small, open economy...

In this study, Lebanon’s economy performed well during the global financial crisis. The banking sector has been resilient in the face of the global crisis, thanks to relatively conservative funding and asset structures, and prudent banking regulations and supervision. The need to address...

Domestic demand is expected to remain the engine of growth in France, with net exports playing a minor role in the near term. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Boosting potential growth requires a comprehensive strategy. The consolidation targets set out in France’s...

Over the past two years, economic activity in Palau has been slowed. Executive Directors welcomed the authorities’ disciplined policies, strong financial sector legislation, and prudent management of foreign grants. They encouraged the authorities to build a strong fiscal consolidation...

This 2011 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Gambian economy has performed well in recent years, despite a difficult global environment. The external current account deficit has widened in recent years, owing to weak tourism receipts and remittances and high global commodity prices....

This 2009 Article IV Consultation discusses that a nascent recovery in Togo’s economy is expected to be offset in 2009 by the impact of the global recession. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF)-supported program and aim to...

The Greek economy showed strength supported by solid gains in employment, substantial real wage increases, low interest rates, and rapid credit expansion. Executive Directors appreciated the performance of the banking system and welcomed the Bank of Greece’s efforts to strengthen...

Kenya’s economy is bouncing back following multiple shocks between 2008 and 2009. The program targets a gradual reduction in the central government primary balance through tax reform and strict control of current spending to bring the debt-to-GDP ratio below 45 percent at the end of the...

Real output growth of the Republic of the Marshall Islands appears to have slowed sharply in FY2003 and again in FY2004. The 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economic activity has been hampered by delays in implementing an upgraded public works program and the closure of a large...