This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Belizean economy grew by 41⁄2 percent in 2004, mainly reflecting strong performance in the agriculture, fisheries, and tourism sectors. Inflation remained subdued at about 3 percent. The overall fiscal deficit of the central government,...

South Africa’s 2005 Article IV Consultation reports that the short-term outlook is broadly favorable, with the main risks arising from a possible worsening of the external environment. The authorities plan to maintain a flexible exchange rate, and to intervene in the foreign exchange market...

The Mauritian economy showed strong performance owing to its sound macroeconomic policies. Executive Directors emphasized the need to remain competitive and address the growing unemployment problem. They commended the efforts to support the developments in financial services, free port...

Canada has enjoyed high growth while adjusting smoothly to commodity price gains, currency appreciation, and, more recently, slowing U.S. demand. Monetary policy has appropriately shifted to guarding against increasing near-term downside risks. A sound fiscal framework policy has produced an...

St. Lucia faces structural challenges that need to be addressed to raise growth durably and reduce poverty. Implementation of planned tax reforms is important to achieve fiscal sustainability. The government’s plans to accelerate tourism-related public investment carry significant risks....

Guinea has implemented an impressive policy shift toward macroeconomic stabilization under the economic program. Executive Directors commended this development and stressed the need for tight fiscal and monetary policies and welcomed the debt sustainability analysis and implementation of the...

Colombia’s economic performance has been strong, aided by sound economic policies. Structural reforms and prudent macroeconomic policy management has contributed to higher economic growth and lower inflation. Executive Directors commended the economic strategy, which has increased economic...

Prudent macroeconomic management, strong growth, low inflation, small fiscal deficit, and public debt have helped The Bahamas attain the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. Executive Directors supported the government’s goals of balancing the budget and reducing debt. They encouraged...

Croatia's economic growth accelerated, but external imbalances continued to increase. Executive Directors commended the strong performance accompanied by commendable prudent policies and continued strengthening of financial supervision. They emphasized the need for continued policy efforts to...

Mexico’s two main economic policy challenges are to fully entrench stability and to remove remaining obstacles to economic growth, necessary to end poverty. The floating exchange rate policy continues to serve Mexico well. An essential part of Mexico’s stability is the resilience of the...