This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that robust growth in Paraguay has been accompanied by declining inflation, particularly since 2011 when the central bank adopted inflation targeting. Despite the acceleration in growth in the 2000s, poverty and inequality in Paraguay remain among the...

This staff report on Tonga’s 2013 Article IV Consultation discusses the economic development and policies. Banks in Tonga have been fixing their balance sheets since late 2008. Shrinking the loan books and increasing holdings of reserve assets have prompted negative macro-financial...

This 2014 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic activity in Kuwait picked up in 2014. Non-oil growth is projected at 3.5 percent driven by a combination of continued increase in domestic consumption and some pick-up in government capital spending and private investment. Flat oil...

KEY ISSUES Context: Madagascar is one of the poorest countries in the world. Weak economic growth has contributed to persistent and increasing poverty with deteriorating social indicators. In a fragile environment, the uncertainty linked to political instability, weak institutions, and weak...

Context and policy challenges. Mozambique’s macroeconomic performance remains robust, with strong growth and low inflation. In spite of the heightened risks from an uncertain global outlook, growth is expected to be broad-based in the medium term and boosted by the natural resource boom...

Discussions centered on the preparations for the 2015/16 budget, and reforms to strengthen the financial sector and boost growth. The authorities have deepened their efforts in supporting their ambitious fiscal goals by strengthening public financial management and revenue administration, and...

This paper discusses Guinea’s Third Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), and Financing Assurances Review. The macroeconomic environment in 2013 was difficult, reflecting the fragile socio-political situation and a sharp slowdown in mining...

Myanmar is a low-income country, and with the right reforms, it can realize its rich economic potential. The government has embarked on a bold and historic set of reforms, which are already bearing fruit. Executive Directors support the steps for ensuring macroeconomic stability. Exchange rate...

Qatar's economy is driven by high oil and natural gas prices and production, and remains strong with robust nonhydrocarbon growth. Its government has now shifted its focus to economic diversification and growth in nonhydrocarbon sectors through targeted infrastructure investments. The Executive...

This paper discusses the Union of the Comoros’ Sixth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) and Request for Waiver of a Performance Criterion. Performance under the ECF-supported program through end-June was broadly satisfactory. All but one of...