Strong exports in the Slovak Republic supported a healthy economic expansion with real GDP growing 3.3 percent in 2011. The 2012 Article IV Consultation highlights that the robust performance of net exports offset the contraction in domestic demand amid fiscal consolidation and volatile consumer...

The Salvadoran economy was severely affected by the global economic slowdown. Further strengthening the economy’s growth prospects and reducing poverty will depend on a durable fiscal consolidation effort and improvements in the investment climate through continued commitment to...

In this study, economic recovery and growth of Macedonia are discussed. In the financial sector, nonperforming loans (NPLs) rose, and bank profitability declined as a result of the crisis. Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. Directors were encouraged by the overall...

Real GDP growth slowed somewhat to 5.3 percent in 2009, its slowest pace since 2000, though Vietnam was among the better performers in developing Asia. An immediate challenge is to consolidate the current stable macroeconomic conditions through prudent policies and better communications. Over...

New Zealand’s recovery has stalled since mid-2010. Spare capacity has helped contain inflation. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) lifted its policy rate in two steps from a record low of 2.5 percent to 3 percent in mid-2010. The exchange rate appreciated and financial markets have...

The 2011 Article IV Consultation reports that the economy in the Republic of Lithuania has staged an impressive recovery based on a supportive global environment and determined policy adjustment. The main driver of the recovery was export growth. Executive Directors commended the authorities for...

The 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights Togo’s developments and performance under the Staff-Monitored Program (SMP). Togolese banks have the highest nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) area, reflecting primarily past lending to...

Latvia’s economy continues to recover, but the worsening global outlook is likely to hurt growth. Implementation of the program has made the economy more robust to shocks, but risks remain that could derail the recovery and the goal of euro adoption. Spillovers from the euro area crisis...

Seychelles’s fiscal stance for 2012 allows maintaining a steady course toward debt reduction. The authorities’ decisions to downsize the loss-making national airline and raise tariffs of public enterprises are crucial steps for easing fiscal pressures and ensuring sufficient...

This paper presents the staff report for Norway’s 2009 Article IV Consultation on economic developments and policies. Unemployment remains low, and key short-term indicators point to a continued recovery. Norway’s resilience has been underpinned by substantial macroeconomic...