This paper examines the Maldives’ 2009 Article IV Consultation on economic developments and policies. The Maldivian economy is facing large external and fiscal imbalances, resulting from the severe impact of the global financial crisis and exacerbated by an unsustainable fiscal expansion....

This paper on the Baltic countries analyzes medium-term fiscal issues related to European Union (EU) and NATO accession. The paper supports the Baltic authorities’ intention to aim at balancing their budgets over the economic cycle. The paper describes the Baltics’ current fiscal...

The Kyrgyz Republic has made good progress under the Poverty Reduction Growth Facility (PRGF)-supported economic program. Executive Directors commended the sound policies, low inflation, and poverty reduction. They appreciated the strong fiscal discipline, and monetary and exchange rate...

Côte d’Ivoire’s request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility is discussed. Côte d’Ivoire is making progress toward reunification, peace, and elections. Côte d’Ivoire’s economy has been resilient to the global downturn, but there are...

This paper assesses Ecuador’s 2003 Article IV Consultation, a Request for a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), and Approval of an Exchange Restriction. The main objectives of the fiscal program are to address immediate liquidity constraints and to bring expenditure growth under control,...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that macroeconomic imbalances in Serbia and Montenegro widened in 2004, putting at risk some of the impressive earlier achievements. Growth, about 5 percent in nonagriculture since 2002, has been fueled by a surge in domestic demand. Lack of...

Serbia’s Second Review under the Stand-By Arrangement and requests for Waiver of Performance Criterion are examined. The contraction in GDP has been limited relative to regional comparators, but absorption and external trade have fallen faster than expected. Foreign parent banks have rolled...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that following the near crisis in the first half of 2003, the authorities in Jamaica have succeeded over the past year in stabilizing the economy and restoring market confidence. The foreign exchange market stabilized in mid-2003, inflation has...

Macroeconomic and financial vulnerabilities have intensified in recent years. Bolivia has adopted a program to stabilize the situation, and the program is broadly on track. Monetary policy is appropriately geared to support a gradual build-up of international reserves while ensuring needed...

Serbia’s transition to a more sustainable growth model remains incomplete and fragile. A precautionary Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) has been requested to insure against external risks and to provide a policy anchor. The program represents a prudent step in the present uncertain global and...