The Irish authorities are adopting consolidation measures to meet the original fiscal targets as well as implementing structural reforms in the labor market and sheltered sectors to enhance competitiveness. Strengthened euro area support for Ireland’s growth and debt sustainability would...

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’s financial system has been largely unaffected by the global financial crisis. The report examines St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2009 Article IV Consultation and request for Disbursement under the Rapid-Access Component of the Exogenous Shocks Facility. The...

In 2008–09, economic activity in Burkina Faso was negatively affected by the increase in global food and fuel prices, the global economic and financial crisis, and heavy flooding in Ouagadougou in September 2009. These shocks are estimated to have contributed to a deterioration in poverty...

This paper discusses the United Republic of Tanzania’s 2007 Article IV Consultation and First Review under the Policy Support Instrument. The report focuses on sustaining Tanzania’s recent strong economic performance, broad-based growth, and more rapid poverty reduction. This would...

Armenia’s growth has picked up in 2011, led by manufacturing, mining, and services, while agriculture has rebounded from the collapse. Credit continues to grow rapidly, particularly in foreign currency and based on strong inflows to banks. Inflation has come down sharply, reflecting...

The new government is committed to prudent macroeconomic policies and to enhancing Georgia’s business-friendly environment. Large external liabilities plus its high current account deficit remain the main sources of vulnerability, and reducing these in an orderly manner is a key...

Facing declining reserves and high inflation, Ethiopian authorities have implemented an effective macroeconomic adjustment package supported by the IMF under the rapid-access component of the Exogenous Shocks Facility. The global recession is putting renewed pressure on the external position,...

Mexico’s strong policy framework has helped cushion the impact of the global crisis. The staff report highlights Mexico’s review under the Flexible Credit Line Arrangement. The flexible exchange rate has adjusted, the inflation targeting framework has provided an anchor for...

The report discusses the important role of the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) in helping Mexico to survive in the fragile global economic environment. The FCL’s contribution in maintaining an orderly financial market in Mexico is noteworthy. IMF staff reaffirms their commitment toward Mexico...

The staff report for Belize’s use of Fund Resources and Request for Emergency Assistance is examined. Economic growth has been sustained largely by rising oil production, while inflation has remained under control. Despite rising oil production, economic growth has been low in 2007, in...