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...

This report provides an assessment of fiscal transparency practices in Serbia in relation to the requirements of the IMF Code of Good Practices on Fiscal Transparency. Serbia has made solid advances in fiscal transparency in recent years, but there are still some major shortcomings. This report...

In recent years, the IMF has released a growing number of reports and other documents covering economic and financial developments and trends in member countries. Each report, prepared by a staff team after discussions with government officials, is published at the option of the member country

Kuwait’s economy continued to perform strongly in 2008, although signs of weakness emerged in the second half of the year. The authorities’ key challenge in the near term is to preserve financial stability and cushion the impact of the global slowdown. Executive Directors have commended the...