Satisfactory progress has been made so far under the first-year poverty reduction and growth facility and the program is on track. Turning this progress into faster and lasting growth requires deeper reform to improve the investment climate and credible action to strengthen governance. The...

Monetary developments in the first half of 2003 were largely in line with expectations, except for credit to the private sector, which has accelerated significantly in recent months. The overall deficit of the consolidated government was 4.5 percent of GDP in 2002–03, lower than the...

We focus on a relatively neglected area of the tax-compliance literature in economics, the behaviour of firms. We examine the impact of alternative audit rules on receipts from a tax on profits in the context of strategic interdependence of firms. In the market firms may compete in terms of...

The continuing weakness of activity in the euro area reflects an amalgam of cyclical and long-term forces that are likely to shape the outlook and to challenge policies. Financial conditions in the area have improved along with those in global markets, though financial fragilities may be...

This paper assesses Pakistan’s Eighth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) and Request for Waivers and Modification of Performance Criteria (PCs). Implementation of the PRGF program in Pakistan remains broadly on track. All...

The staff report for the combined 2004 Article IV Consultation on the Kyrgyz Republic highlights the economic developments and external policies. The Kyrgyz Republic’s good economic performance owes much to its macroeconomic policies. Fiscal consolidation has helped to stabilize external...

This paper presents Romania’s First Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and a Request for Waiver and Modification of Performance Criteria. Output growth remains favorable and disinflation is proceeding. The current account deficit is in line with the program’s target, and the...

This paper examines Sri Lanka’s Request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), and a Request for an Extended Arrangement. In line with the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) and building on the progress made under the Stand-By Arrangement...

This paper examines Pakistan’s Fourth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Request for Waiver of Performance Criterion. Progress on the structural front through November 2002 was broadly in line with the program, except for the power...

This paper examines the revenue response to inflows of foreign aid in 107 countries during the period 1970–2000, In particular, it investigates whether the impact of aid on the revenue effort depends on the composition of aid (grants vis-à-vis loans). The results indicate that while...