This Selected Issues paper explores the medium-term determinants of the current account balance in Papua New Guinea. It provides an assessment of the exchange rate, and presents some background on recent exchange rate developments. It uses two dynamic panel regression models to estimate the...

This Annual Progress Report reviews the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and Economic and Social Plan for 2007 for Mozambique. The report presents the new simplified structure adopted in the Review of the First Half of 2007. In the international context, the evolution of the international...

This paper discusses key findings of the First Review for Seychelles under the Stand-By Arrangement. Developments under the program at end-December 2008 were broadly satisfactory. Although growth was lower and inflation higher than targeted in 2008, the liberalization of the exchange regime and...

Growth in the Czech Republic is projected to slow sharply in 2009 amid a gathering recession abroad and tightening credit at home. This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that the shrinking demand from the euro area, especially Germany, will curtail exports and direct investment inflows....

Pakistan has been facing significant economic difficulties. With sharp increases in oil and food prices, and adverse security developments, Pakistan has experienced a significant widening of the fiscal deficit, owing in large part to increasing energy subsidies and major pressures on its balance...

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) macroeconomic performance during 2007–08 was strong, with growth especially in the construction and services sectors. Annual average inflation accelerated, driven by domestic demand pressures. Executive Directors have commended the authorities for their...

This paper discusses the arrangement under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) for Mexico. Mexico has achieved a high level of credibility in the institutional framework supporting macroeconomic policy formulation, and has a sustained a track record of implementing strong policies. Liquidity...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation highlights that after 15 years of impressive growth led by a housing boom, the Spanish economy has entered a sharp downturn in the wake of the global liquidity squeeze since mid-2007. Executive Directors have commended the authorities for their timely and...

This 2008 Article IV Consultation discusses that real GDP growth in Namibia is expected to moderate to about 3 percent in 2008 from 4.1 percent in 2007, reflecting a downturn in the mining sector owing to the global economic slowdown. Executive Directors have commended the authorities’ sound...

This paper focuses on an arrangement under the Flexible Credit Line (FCL) for the Republic of Poland. Poland’s macroeconomic performance has been very strong. The authorities believe that access under an FCL arrangement in the amount of SDR 13.69 billion could help maintain market access and...