Macroeconomic performance has evolved in line with program projections, and financial market sentiment remains strong. Although the political situation remains stable, electoral politics are expected to intensify in advance of next year's general elections. The authorities indicated that they...

Recent economic developments: economic activity and prices; fiscal developments; monetary policy and developments; external sector developments. Eighth Five-Year Plan; background; objectives and strategy; key elements; and sectoral policies. Financial sector developments and reforms. Statistical...

This paper assesses Vietnam’s 2001 Article IV Consultation, First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF), and a Request for Waiver and Modification of Performance Criteria. Economic performance has been positive so far in 2001, under the first-year PRGF-supported...

The financial system remains vulnerable to weak governance in smaller banks and also to weaknesses in banks’ balance sheets. Banking is characterized by high real interest rates, large spreads, and a limited appetite for lending. Stress tests indicate that the banking system is relatively...

The Financial System Stability Assessment of Mauritius assesses the standards and codes and the potential risks and vulnerabilities of the financial system. It summarizes the assessments of the standards and codes on the Basel Core Principles for effective banking supervision, systemically...

Burundi’s First Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Request for Waiver of Performance Criteria are discussed. Fiscal slippages emerged following the surge in petroleum prices and higher spending needs associated with the peace process and the domestically financed...

The staff report for the 2005 Article IV Consultation on the Republic of Kazakhstan highlights the economic outlook and fiscal policy. Inflation moderated to single-digit levels and confidence in the banking system strengthened, leading to rapid remonetization and significant dedollarization....

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that China has continued its rapid economic growth and integration into the global economy. Real GDP grew by 9.1 percent in 2003, underpinned by strong fixed investment and exports, which registered growth rates of 20 percent and 29 percent in real...

This Selected Issues paper examines developments in Estonia’s expanding net external obligations, as well as in domestic income flows and balance sheets. The paper discusses external current account and net international investment positions. Domestic investment and saving and balance...

This paper examines Armenia’s Fifth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) and Request for Extension of the Arrangement. Performance under the PRGF-supported program since mid-2003 has been satisfactory: the authorities met all quantitative targets and implemented...