Papua New Guinea has seen solid economic growth over the past decade, supported by sound macroeconomic policies. This 2012 Article IV Consultation discusses that the financial sector in Papua New Guinea remains profitable and well capitalized, but vulnerabilities have increased. Executive...

This paper discusses the request from the Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities for a Stand-By Arrangement. The global financial and economic crisis hit Bosnia and Herzegovina when the overheating was already raising doubts about the sustainability of the economic expansion. The authorities’...

The political and security focus has shifted from post-conflict needs to consolidating gains on peace and stability. Macroeconomic stability has been re-established, and debt relief has improved the debt sustainability outlook. This enabled a gradual switch in policy priorities toward creating...

The Timorese economy has improved owing to high oil-financed public spending and a rebound in agriculture, non-oil growth. Despite high bank deposit growth, private sector credit has remained stagnant. The medium-term outlook for growth is positive. Timor-Leste’s key challenge remains to...

Morocco’s strong starting position, reflecting macroeconomic and structural reforms introduced over the last decade, has given the country greater room to maneuver in its policy response. The direct impact of the global crisis on Morocco has been limited, primarily affecting Morocco...

This paper is a report of Nicaragua’s performance under the 2007–11 program. The period was marked by a stern financial crisis, price shocks, and disasters, but the program maintained the macroeconomic stability. Although the program had several hurdles, its achievements were...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic activity in Moldova benefited from a favorable external environment in 2003–04. GDP grew by 6.3 percent in 2003, advancing to 6.5 percent (year over year) in the first half of 2004. Large and rising workers’ remittances...

Overall, the program's macroeconomic targets have been broadly met. The program embodies a renewed emphasis on the non-oil revenue mobilization effort and continuation of a prudent expenditure stance. Reversing the deterioration of the financial operations of the public companies and the...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that Trinidad and Tobago’s economy, which is endowed with large energy reserves, is experiencing a strong energy sector-based expansion owing to increased output and high international prices. The energy sector already accounts for about 40...

This paper analyzes the decision of a government facing electoral uncertainty to implement structural reforms in the presence of fiscal restraints similar to the Stability and Growth Pact. The model shows that a pact may harm structural reforms, sacrificing future growth for present stability....