This paper discusses key findings of the assessment on observance of standards and codes on fiscal transparency for Thailand. The assessment reveals that Thailand meets requirements of the fiscal transparency code in many respects and exceeds them in a few cases. The legal framework underlying...

This paper presents Malawi’s First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility. The overvalued exchange rate has put external reserves under pressure, and the backlog of unpaid import invoices persists. The impact of the overvalued exchange rate on the value of donor inflows...

Mali’s economy is showing renewed momentum resulting from a strong 2005–06 cereal harvest and strengthening terms of trade. The fiscal program remained well on track through end-2005. Discussion of the macroeconomic outlook focused on production-side growth prospects, such as...

The Nicaraguan economy continued to post robust growth in the first half of 2011. The Seventh Review Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Financing Assurances Review highlights that all quantitative performance criteria for end-June 2011 were met and the structural agenda is broadly on...

KEY MESSAGES Setting. Discussions took place for the first time since the handover of Macao SAR from Portugal to China in 1999. Prudent macroeconomic management has underpinned rapid development in the territory, which is now the world’s largest gaming center. As a small, open and...

This paper discusses a request from the Sri Lankan authorities for a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The proposed SBA (of 400 percent of quota or SDR1.65 billion) would aim to smooth adjustment to the external shock that has hit the country, restore health to the country’s public finances,...

India’s economy has slowed substantially before and after the global financial crisis. The economy is in a weaker position than before the crisis. With investment particularly hard-hit, potential GDP is likely to be lower than estimated. Inflation is constraining the room for monetary...

Guinea is making good progress in recovering from a long period of social unrest and military rule. Macroeconomic imbalances have been reduced, major structural reforms are under way, and long-neglected infrastructure is being rebuilt. However, the political transition process is still...

This paper discusses the Union of Comoros’ 2008 Article IV Consultation and request for Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance and disbursement under the Rapid-Access Component of the Exogenous Shocks Facility. Real GDP growth has been well below the regional average, and per-capita income...

Finland’s 2008 Article IV Consultation shows that spillovers from the global turmoil are adversely affecting activity and may weaken the financial system. From a cyclical perspective, a fiscal structural loosening is warranted. Its effectiveness in Finland’s small, open economy...