This paper reviews current thinking on the relationship between financial development and poverty alleviation-a subject that has grown increasingly important in the policy prescriptions of the IMF and other international financial institutions in recent years. Although work on this issue is far...

Many governments and nongovernmental organizations have adopted policies to promote the growth of microfinance institutions (MFIs). The appropriate level and form of support for MFIs are discussed in this paper on the basis of a review of key MFI characteristics. Governments are also responsible...

An Analysis of Private Sector Development Issues in Small Economies This book examines the underlying factors that determine the environment for investment and growth in small economies, focussing on those in the Pacific.The private sector can flourish and create employment opportunities only if...

As the MFI industry matures, the necessity of dealing with foreign exchange risk becomes more urgent. Identifying possible solutions to foreign currency risk before they become a critical priority will give MFIs more options in the future.

Small business development in Latin America and the Caribbean is essential because it has the greatest potential to generate employment and alleviate poverty in the region. This report examines small business relations with the private sector in general and the MIF's role in its development.

The purpose of this paper, the fourth chapter in a series of discussion papers on private sector development, is to examine issues that are central to financial market development in the Caribbean region. This report identifies factors that are required for financial markets to function...

This book is intended to explain the factors underlying the stellar growth record that has led to Armenia's emergence as the Caucasian Tiger and to provide policy advice to the Armenian authorities to ensure the continuation of this growth. The book is presented in two parts, with Part I...

Small business development in Latin America and the Caribbean is essential because it has the greatest potential to generate employment and alleviate poverty in the region. This report examines small business relations with the private sector in general and the MIF's role in its development.

This report examines the environment for doing business in Perú following the far-reaching reform program instituted in 1990. It has never been easy to do business in Perú. This is a powerful reason why, amid such potential, Perú remains a poor and divided country. For business to flourish a...

In most countries, the state owns the water and hydraulic infrastructure, and public officials decide who gets water rights, how the water is to be used, and how much will be charged for its use. The authors of this paper compare administered systems of water allocation with a system of tradable...