Angola has made significant progress toward economic stabilization. Under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), the government’s key fiscal anchor is the non-oil primary fiscal deficit (NOPD), and the revised 2010 budget is determined to avoid any increase in the non-oil primary deficit. Policy...

This report on the Observance of Standards and Codes on Fiscal Transparency on Costa Rica analyzes open budget preparation and assurances of integrity. A number of initiatives currently under way would further advance fiscal transparency. A clearer division of responsibilities for monetary and...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation discusses that a nascent recovery in Togo’s economy is expected to be offset in 2009 by the impact of the global recession. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF)-supported program and aim to...

The Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper III (GPRS-III) will provide a framework for the government’s economic, financial, and sectoral policies for the period 2012–17. All performance criteria (PC) and indicative targets through end-December were observed, except for the...

Performance under the last ECF-supported program was broadly satisfactory. The government has prepared a medium-term policy framework to consolidate recent progress, and enhance growth prospects and poverty reduction efforts. Burkina Faso’s risk of debt distress is high. Executive...

This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that Sudan’s economic growth continued to be strong in 2006. Overall real GDP increased by 12 percent, despite a lower growth in oil production than previously projected. Non-oil GDP increased by roughly 10 percent—buoyed by a continued...

This 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that Jordan’s money and financial markets have weakened since mid-2008. Bank deposits edged down slightly in October but subsequently recovered, with the share of dinar deposits continuing to increase. Executive Directors have noted that sound...

The Greek economy showed strength supported by solid gains in employment, substantial real wage increases, low interest rates, and rapid credit expansion. Executive Directors appreciated the performance of the banking system and welcomed the Bank of Greece’s efforts to strengthen...

The French economy weathered global crisis better than most of its peers. The authorities have taken important policy actions to stabilize the financial system and have implemented suitable fiscal stimulus to cushion the downturn. Executive Directors welcomed the policy, which aims to strengthen...

Program implementation has been satisfactory, and all assessment criteria were met. The fiscal deficit was reduced to 5.9 percent of GDP despite a significant revenue shortfall. Delays were incurred in the implementation of reforms in the energy sector. The authorities intend to accelerate...