Macedonia’s economic performance under the program has remained strong, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to build on the progress made and to advance the reform agenda. The average inflation rate was 2.3 percent, although it started to pick up recently owing to a relatively...

This report discusses Iceland’s Second Review under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Extension of the Arrangement. Supportive fiscal policies have helped consumption hold up better than expected, while the external sector has benefited from currency depreciation and higher...

The Kyrgyz Republic’s request for an 18-month Arrangement under the Exogenous Shocks Facility is discussed. International commodity prices continued to rise through much of 2008, resulting in a surge in inflation to more than 30 percent by mid-year and a widening of the current account...

Good progress has been made in stabilizing the economic and social situation since the crisis. Fiscal adjustment over a prolonged period will bring the public finances to a sustainable path. To protect social expenditures and allow higher public investment, a comprehensive tax reform is...

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania’s macroeconomic developments have remained broadly positive, despite high international fuel and food prices and the near-term drought impact. Supported by a rapid growth in manufacturing industries, non-oil output is expected to grow by 4.8 percent in...

Paraguay’s Fifth Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria are discussed. The overall fiscal position remains in surplus, the exchange rate weakened slightly with respect to the U.S. dollar, but considerably with respect to the Brazilian real,...

Ukraine’s 29-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) was approved. Ukraine’s satisfactory performance under the economic program supported by the Stand-By Arrangement, along with strong policy commitments for the coming year, are supporting a steady recovery in confidence and broadening...