This paper discusses key findings of the First Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Macedonia. Macroeconomic performance of Macedonia remains strong. Through end-December 2005, the authorities met all of the program’s quantitative performance criteria. Growth has remained steady at...

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...

Burundi showed commendable performance owing to its prudent macroeconomic policies and ambitious structural reforms under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). Executive Directors appreciated its macroeconomic stability, strong fiscal discipline, and prudent monetary policies in...

Slovenia is set to become the first among the new European Union member states to adopt the euro. Executive Directors emphasized the need to implement policies that increase productivity, create an efficient business environment and a flexible labor market, and improve sustainability of public...

The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe shows prudence in maintaining its fiscal stance assisted by the IMF extended credit facility (ECF). The authorities aim to concentrate on maintaining macroeconomic stability even though debt distress owing to a narrow export base and other...

This paper focuses on the 2012 Article IV Consultation and Second Post-Program Monitoring Discussions with Belarus. Since mid-2011, the authorities have been implementing stabilization measures. The financial system has weathered the 2011 crisis, and banks’ capital has been replenished...

The 2006 Article IV Consultation on the Philippines discusses stronger exports and reduced inflation, with the 12-month rate back within the inflation target. Remittances have continued to grow strongly, and the balance of payments received additional support in the second half of 2006 from...

Over the last few decades, the economy of Saudi Arabia has strengthened, as oil prices increased with the rebound in global economic activity. Despite this, vulnerabilities to a sustained decline in the oil price have increased. Executive Directors have commended the authorities for their...

Japan showed strong economic recovery from the crisis. Executive Directors welcomed the development and stressed the need for a strong monetary framework, well-designed fiscal consolidation, and structural reforms. Directors agreed that the Bank of Japan’s monetary framework is well...

This paper discusses key findings of the Fourth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Mongolia. All end-December performance criteria were met, and the indicative limit on the fiscal deficit was met with a comfortable margin. Inflation, after falling rapidly into negative territory for the...