This paper discusses key findings of the Sixth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) for Albania. The macroeconomic performance of the Albanian economy has been good overall, with sustained growth and low inflation. Weak infrastructure and...

This Selected Issues paper for the Netherlands highlights that Dutch cost competitiveness deteriorated significantly in the years prior to 2004. The relatively poor economic performance during the new millennium contributed to these concerns generally, as did restrained export performance more...

This paper reviews Albania’s 2004 Article IV Consultation, Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), Request for Extension of the Arrangement, and Financing Assurances Review. The macroeconomic performance of the Albanian economy has been remarkable by both...

The staff report for the combined 2005 Article IV Consultation on Burkina Faso focuses on recent economic developments and performance. Burkina Faso has maintained an average real GDP growth rate of more than 6 percent annually, and inflation has been contained. Revenues performance is...

This 2002 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economic growth of Korea rose to about 6 percent in 2002 from 3 percent in 2001. Buoyant consumption and residential construction spending underpinned the recovery beginning in late 2001. In 2002, exports rebounded strongly in spite of a...

This paper focuses on key findings of the detailed assessment of observance of standards and codes in the financial sector of the Cook Islands (CI). The new legal framework in CI represents an important first step in correcting deficiencies, as they are all addressed in the new set of laws. The...

In this study, the following statistical data are presented in detail: national accounts at current and constant prices; aggregate supply and demand at constant prices; savings and investment; value of agricultural crops; coffee stocks; production, exports, and prices; volume of manufacturing...

This paper discusses a Request from Albania for a Three-Year Arrangement under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF). This arrangement aims to prepare Albania for graduation from IMF-supported programs. If properly implemented, the policies it embodies will reduce vulnerabilities,...

The main priority was to seek assurances that policies were on track to facilitate a smooth transition to the postprogram environment. A stable exchange rate and continued declines in inflation have allowed reductions in interest rates in support of the economic recovery. With inflation risks...

Honduras’s First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria are discussed. The authorities are taking measures to contain inflation. The inflation target has been raised to accommodate the first-round impact of the oil price...