Niger’s GDP growth is projected to decline in 2009 to 3 percent from 9.5 percent in 2008 when agricultural production reached a record level. The staff report highlights Niger’s second review under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Request for Modification of...

São Tomé and Príncipe pursued economic reforms and tried to reduce poverty amidst macroeconomic imbalances under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program. Executive Directors supported the authorities’ decision to sustain the process of fiscal consolidation, and stressed the...

Over the past two decades, wide-ranging structural reforms, supported by prudent policies, have established Mauritius as a top regional performer. The Mauritian economy recovered in 2010. Real GDP growth is estimated to have accelerated to 4 percent (3 percent in 2009), driven by strong growth...

This paper presents 2013 Article IV Consultation and Third Post Program Monitoring discussions on Hungry. While the output gap remains sizable, inflation expectations are not well anchored, and after seven consecutive policy rate cuts a pause seems prudent. Further monetary policy easing can be...

In this paper, the economic growth of Suriname is discussed. The fiscal deficit shifted from 2.2 percent to 3.3 percent of GDP during 2009–10. In 2010, CLICO-Suriname was acquired by a local insurance company. The need to rein in current expenditure and avoid development of...

The staff report for Niger’s 2008 Article IV Consultation, first review under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility, and request for Waivers and Modification of Performance Criteria is discussed. The authorities initially suspended taxes on critical...

This paper discusses Mexico’ Review Under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) Arrangement. Significant progress has been made in advancing far-reaching structural reforms, signaling Mexico’s commitment to address deep-rooted impediments to growth. The economy slowed down in early 2013,...

This paper discusses the progress made by Burundi under the enhanced Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Burundi has made satisfactory progress in achieving the completion point triggers. It has fully implemented the triggers on preparing and implementing a Poverty Reduction...

The 2011 Article IV Consultation reports that Panama’s economy has rebounded strongly from the 2009 slowdown, and is one of the fastest-growing in the region. Rapid growth and prudent fiscal policy have lowered public debt to less than 40 percent of GDP, and rating agencies have placed...

This paper discusses key findings of the Second Review of the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility for Cameroon. Economic activity is slowing, reflecting a weak business environment, stronger competition from low-cost producers of manufactured products, and...