This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that the Jordanian economy has performed remarkably well in recent years, mainly owing to far-reaching macroeconomic and structural reforms. Despite negative shocks, growth has been robust, inflation has remained low, public debt has continued to...

This Selected Issues paper investigates the macroeconomic impact of the Syria crisis on Jordan. It is indicated that the crisis: (1) had an overall negative impact on measured output growth—although anecdotal evidence suggests possibly a positive impact on output in the informal sector;...

The 2012 Article IV Report on Ireland’s economy under the Extended Arrangement analyzes the banking crisis and Irish authorities’ steadfast efforts to restore stability. Public debt has been high, and the banking system has not served the financial needs of both households and the...

This Selected Issues paper focuses on constructing a high-frequency economic growth indicator for Suriname. Most economic data for Suriname are available only with a substantial time lag and on a low-frequency basis, impeding such analyses. This paper presents a simple econometric model that...

Domestic demand is expected to remain the engine of growth in France, with net exports playing a minor role in the near term. Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Boosting potential growth requires a comprehensive strategy. The consolidation targets set out in France’s...

Niger understands the need to adopt a long-term strategy capable of optimizing natural and human resources to promote sustainable economic and social development and inclusive growth. The government has renewed planning efforts in the preparation of three principal strategic documents. These...

This paper discusses Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Fifth Review Under the Stand-by Arrangement and Requests for Waivers of Applicability and Extension and Augmentation of the Arrangement. Policy implementation remains strong despite a challenging environment. All end-September 2013 performance...

This paper discusses Portugal’s Eighth and Ninth Reviews Under the Extended Arrangement and Request for Waivers of Applicability of end-September Performance Criteria (PC). Program implementation has remained broadly on track, in spite of a political crisis and significant legal...

Important issues of the Netherlands are discussed. Openness to trade has benefited the Netherlands before the crisis and has supported the recent recovery process. However, both financial openness and trade linkages have also been a transmission channel for the financial crisis. Synchronized...