This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that Sierra Leone has made significant progress in macroeconomic stabilization over the last five years. Real GDP growth averaged some 7 percent, driven by output expansion in agriculture, mining, and services; as well as the scaling-up of...

This paper discusses key findings of the 2005 Status Report on Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) on Niger. The report is based on an assessment of economic and financial performance and sectoral policy and strategy implementation in 2005. The findings reveal that implementation of the...

This paper presents key findings of the Second Review for the Kyrgyz Republic under the Extended Credit Facility. Buoyant revenue collection and significant shortfalls in external financing led to a lower-than-programmed fiscal deficit for 2011. The overall health of the banking sector continued...

This paper discusses Guinea’s Second Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility, Requests for Modifications of Performance Criteria and Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion, and Financing Assurances. Growth is projected at 4.5 percent for 2013,...

The Kyrgyz Republic has stabilized with the formation of a new coalition, but political uncertainty remains. Despite a slump in gold production and delays in donor financing, monetary and fiscal policies remained prudent. Improving the business climate, good governance, and strong institutions...

In this study, macroeconomic development, its performance, and outlook are reviewed. Narrowing of the infrastructure gap and public financial management (PFM) are focused to safeguard investment quality. Fiscal reform has been introduced to improve the design of the tax system and to strengthen...

Ireland’s strong policy implementation and market conditions have improved macroeconomic indicators to show positive signs. However, an uncertain medium-term outlook could hamper the prospects. Bank supported recovery through timely action on lingering financial sector issues has been...

This study is carried out against a backdrop of deep divisions in Greece and in Europe over how to handle the challenges now confronting Greece. Greece’s deeper medium-term policy needs and identifying ways to replace the expected market financing are discussed. Structural reforms tackled...

The Czech Republic’s strong fundamentals helped to sustain economic growth with low unemployment and underpin strides toward convergence with EU-15. Executive Directors welcomed the euro accession strategy and the sustained implementation of the Maastricht criteria, which would provide a...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review under the three-year arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Mali. Performance under the PRGF-supported program has been generally satisfactory, but there have been delays in implementing structural reforms....