This 2003 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic performance of The Gambia deteriorated substantially in 2002–03. A collapse of the groundnut harvest in 2002 led to a contraction of real GDP by 3 percent while also affecting export revenues in 2003. At the same time, poor...

This Selected Issues paper analyzes the regional labor markets for Belgium. The paper examines labor market performance, and argues that a number of factors—poor worker-job matching, a compressed wage structure, and low geographical mobility—contribute to economic disparities. The...

Ethiopia showed commendable performance under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) Arrangement. Executive Directors appreciated this development, and emphasized the need to strengthen fiscal and monetary policies, enhance revenues, strengthen public expenditure management, and...

This report reviews the main laws and regulations governing the Mexican financial system, and analyzes the financial system stability in Mexico. The study assesses the implementation of macroeconomic policies, the process of bank restructuring and consolidation, and sectoral and infrastructure...

This paper reviews the progress report on implementation of the National Strategy for Socio-Economic Development (NSSED) during 2004 in Albania. The NSSED established a multiyear plan to combat poverty and strengthen governance. The main implication of the Integrated Planning System for the...

This paper provides an overview of recent economic developments in Georgia. The country has made significant, but incomplete, progress toward establishing the rule of law. The rapid accumulation of wage and social transfers arrears is one of the factors of the worsening poverty. The banking...

In this study, the following statistical data are presented in detail: agriculture, livestock, and fishery production, structure of revenue, monetary survey, reserve money, interest rates, central government operations, profile of the commercial bank system, consumer price index, foreign debt,...

This paper examines Ghana’s Fourth Review Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Requests for Waiver of Performance Criteria and for Extension of the Commitment Period. Most end-August 2001 quantitative performance criteria were met, but waivers are requested for...

This paper presents key findings of the Financial System Stability Assessment for Gabon, including Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes on Monetary and Financial Policy Transparency, Banking Supervision, and Insurance Regulation. The assessment reveals that the Gabonese financial...

Honduras’s request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility and Interim Assistance Under the Enhanced Initiative for Heavily Indebted Poor Countries is discussed. The social consultation has allowed the government to implement a vital reform of public...