This paper discusses key findings of the Review Under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) for Colombia. The FCL arrangement has provided Colombia an additional coverage against adverse external shocks, in the context of strong monetary and fiscal policies. Colombia’s strong institutional and policy...

This paper examines Colombia’s 2002 Article IV Consultation and Request for Stand-By Arrangement. The economic situation worsened in the first half of 2002. Economic activity has remained sluggish, and the fiscal consolidation has gone off-track. Exacerbated by increased contagion from other...

This report examines the Observance of Standards and Codes on Fiscal Transparency for Colombia. Colombia has made considerable progress in improving transparency in public finances. Major initiatives include: adoption of the Presidential Anti-Corruption Plan; improvement in the management of...

This paper examines the Third Review Under the Extended Arrangement for Colombia. Considerable macroeconomic stabilization has been achieved under the program. Inflation has been reduced, fiscal consolidation has advanced, the exchange market has remained orderly, and significant structural...

This Selected Issues paper provides background information and analysis on recent developments and critical issues for the Colombian economy. The study discusses the unemployment and stresses in the financial system and also focuses on fiscal issues. The following statistical data are presented...

Colombia's economic performance deteriorated markedly in 1998–99 owing to a combination of external shocks. The main program objectives for 2001 are to achieve a further reduction in inflation to 8 percent, continue the recovery of economic activity, and strengthen the public finances further...

The economy has performed strongly. The government has lowered the target for the combined public sector deficit. The prospects for sustained growth over the medium term are favorable, in view of the robust growth in nonresidential investment and exports. Fiscal policy will remain on a...

This paper discusses key findings of the First Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Colombia. The economy is expected to continue to perform well in 2005. Real GDP is expected to grow by 4 percent, with consumer prices rising by 5 percent, as targeted. The external current account deficit...

This paper discusses Colombia’s 2005 Article IV Consultation, Fourth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), and Requests for Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria. Real economic growth in Colombia recovered to 4 percent a year in 2003–04. The national unemployment rate...

This Selected Issues paper examines conditions in Colombian labor markets, which present a big challenge to the country. At end-2004, the unemployment rate amounted to 12 percent, and about one-third of the labor force was considered underemployed. The paper reviews labor market developments...