This paper highlights the Kingdom of Lesotho’s Sixth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility. Lesotho has maintained robust economic growth, with moderate inflation. The IMF report shows that economic growth is expected to exceed 4 percent, supported by...

The Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program extended to Lesotho after a sharp fall in revenues remained broadly on track. Lesotho maintained positive growth supported by expansion of mining and construction. Fiscal consolidation efforts have helped to strengthen international reserves, despite...

This 2013 Article IV Consultation highlights that after significant real economic growth volatility and high inflation through 2009, growth in Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe has become more stable and inflation has reached record low levels. Real economic growth slowed to 4...

Bangladesh has made substantial progress in strengthening macroeconomic conditions and structural policies. Strong vigilance, guided by adherence to programmed deficit targets, is needed, however. The strengthening of debt management practices now under way will reinforce debt sustainability....

Mounting funding pressures has tipped Portugal into an acute economic crisis in 2011. The roots of the crisis could be traced to Portugal’s failure to adapt to the rigors of monetary union. With economic institutions, policies, and incentives ill-adapted to the opportunities,...

Economic activity continued to shrink in St. Kitts and Nevis in 2012 on account of a sharp slowdown in the construction sector. Despite the sluggish global environment, the authorities have continued to successfully implement their economic program. Inflation has stabilized. The external...

Economic activity is estimated to have softened below program expectations in January-March 2012, due to a continued contraction in the construction sector which dominated a relatively strong outturn in tourism. Despite this growth underperformance and the continued global uncertainty, the...

This Eleventh Review Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Extension of the Arrangement focuses on Portugal’s macroeconomic framework and fiscal policy. Sovereign bond yields have declined sharply, buoyed by the improved economic outlook and increased investor appetite for higher...

The staff report for the Fifth Review Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Waivers of Applicability and Nonobservance of End-September Performance Criteria, prepared by a staff team of the IMF, following discussions that ended on September 11, 2012, with the officials of Portugal on...

Fiscal performance has been broadly in line with program targets. As a result, the current account deficit has narrowed, reserves have increased significantly, and headline inflation is under control. However, implementation of structural benchmarks has lagged, necessitating sharper focus and...