The first analysis focuses on external stability, an important issue in view of Croatia’s external imbalances and the requirements of the IMF’s 2007 Decision on Bilateral Surveillance. The paper shows that the real exchange rate is broadly in line with economic fundamentals and...

Structural reforms and strong macroeconomic policies of Burkina Faso have promoted economic growth and low inflation over the past decade. Executive Directors welcomed this development, and encouraged the authorities to reduce the fiscal deficit and maintain fiscal and external debt...

Fiscal expansion after euro accession led to a buildup of large economic imbalances, and a program to make fiscal policy and the fiscal and debt position sustainable was initiated. However, the program saw opposition from the outset and structural reforms stalled, which unsettled the investment...

This paper assesses the evolution of Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) real exchange rates over time, and examines whether the region has lost competitiveness. The main finding is that there is little evidence of overvaluation of the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar. The relationship...

Djibouti’s 2007 Article IV Consultation focuses on the medium-term growth prospects and policies necessary to ensure that growth is broad based and accompanied by sufficient employment creation. Real GDP growth is estimated at 4.8 percent in 2006, driven by fiscal expansion, and a sizable...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Jamaica’s economy is estimated to have achieved its best growth performance in over a decade during FY2006/07, which ended on March 31, 2007. Notwithstanding some recent moderation of momentum, the economy is estimated to have expanded by...

High capital inflows and rising vulnerabilities underscore the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensuring stability. Standard balance sheet indicators mask a substantial build-up of exposures to exchange rate, maturity, and rollover risks. Household balance sheet risks originate from...

The 2007 Article IV Consultation discusses the Republic of Lithuania's economic developments and policy challenges. Lithuania has done well in the past years to improve its investment climate and ranks high on most measures of doing business. Enhancing flexibility is important because a quick...

This paper discusses key findings of the Seventh Review and Inflation Consultation Under the Stand-By Arrangement for Turkey. Macroeconomic developments have become less favorable since the last review in May 2007. Political developments have distracted attention from an ambitious economic...