In this study, Cameroon’s economic recovery, low inflation, and positive economic prospects have been ascribed. Efforts to improve non-oil revenue by broadening the tax base, streamlining exemptions, and increasing the efficiency of tax and customs administration are outlined. The need to...

Owing to severe fiscal and external imbalances, the Maldives government adopted an IMF program in 2009. Despite some crucial initial actions, fiscal slippages and political polarization have undermined the restoration of sustainability. The key policy challenge is to prevent a fiscal crisis,...

In line with the weaker global outlook, growth in Asia is expected to be slightly lower in 2011-12 than forecast in April 2011, mainly as a result of weakening external demand, but the expansion should remain healthy, supported by domestic demand, which has been generally resilient. Overheating...

This Selected Issues paper and Statistical Appendix analyzes Germany’s past fiscal policy behavior and assesses the likely adjustments that would be necessary to bring future fiscal policy behavior in line with European Monetary Union and the Stability and Growth Pact requirements. Using...

This paper reviews economic developments in Sri Lanka during 1996–98. After slowing to 4 percent in 1996, economic growth recovered to 61⁄2 percent in 1997. The slowdown in 1996 had been mainly owing to a severe drought that affected the agricultural sector and disrupted the power supply....

This paper reviews economic developments in the Republic of Moldova during 1993–97. In 1993, the authorities adopted a comprehensive program of financial stabilization supported by a stand-by arrangement with the IMF. By 1995, the fiscal deficit had been cut to 53⁄4 percent of GDP and annual...

This paper reviews economic developments in Moldova during 1995–98. By 1995, the fiscal deficit had been cut to 53⁄4 percent of GDP and annual inflation had fallen to 24 percent. Exports and imports recovered rapidly, with the current account deficit narrowing to 81⁄2 percent of GDP. In...

Over the last few decades, the economy of Saudi Arabia has strengthened, as oil prices increased with the rebound in global economic activity. Despite this, vulnerabilities to a sustained decline in the oil price have increased. Executive Directors have commended the authorities for their...

Macroeconomic imbalances are large, and structural problems are deep-rooted in Portugal. The new government’s strong commitment to program implementation is encouraging. Fiscal performance so far demonstrates the need to refocus the fiscal strategy on strong expenditure control, as envisaged...

The Irish authorities steadfastly maintained strong policy implementation despite a sharp escalation and expansion of stress in euro area sovereign bond markets. Strengthened European support is welcome, but early implementation is key, and restoring broader stability in the euro area is...