Public Information Notice No. 11/69

Public Information Notice: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2011 Article IV Consultation with Costa Rica and Ex-Post Evaluation of Exceptional Access under the 2009 Stand-By Arrangement

May 31, 2011

On May 25, 2011, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation and Ex-Post Evaluation of Exceptional Access under the 2009 Stand-By Arrangement with Costa Rica.¹

Background

Costa Rica’s economy weathered the global crisis well and its recovery is firmly underway. Following a 1.3 percent decline in 2009, real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 percent in 2010, initially led by a recovery in inventories and public consumption and later by private consumption. Annual inflation increased from 4 percent in 2009 to 4.6 percent at end-March 2011 (well within the 4-6 percent official target range).

Although the external current account deficit widened in 2010, the surplus in the capital account increased by more, as the private sector deleveraging observed in 2009 ended and net public sector inflows increased. As a result, the overall balance of payments recorded a surplus of 1.5 percent of GDP during the year. This surplus, together with some portfolio rebalancing toward local currency-denominated assets, pushed the colón to the appreciated end of the exchange rate band in late 2010. In response, the central bank lowered the policy interest rate and launched a program of foreign exchange purchases.

The fiscal deficit continued to widen during 2010. Tax revenues did not recover the levels observed prior to the crisis, and government spending, especially wages and current transfers, continued to increase. As a result, the consolidated public sector deficit rose to 5.5 percent of GDP, from 4 percent in 2009. Public sector debt at end-2010 reached 39.4 percent of GDP.

Financial sector indicators are strong, with adequate levels of liquidity and capitalization. Credit to the private sector remained sluggish in 2010 but began to pick up in 2011. Financial dollarization has resumed a declining trend.

Supported by the global economic recovery and strong inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI), real GDP is projected to grow by 4.3 percent in 2011 and stabilize at 4.5 percent over the medium term. Inflation is projected to rise above 7 percent in 2011 pushed by higher world commodity prices and a one-off impact from the tax reform (assumed to be approved in the second half of 2011), but is expected to fall gradually thereafter. The external current account deficit would increase to 4.8 percent of GDP in 2011 and stabilize at about 5.2 percent of GDP over the medium term, and is expected to be fully financed by FDI and other capital flows.

While the economic outlook is generally positive, some downside risks remain. These stem from the rise in commodity prices and abundant global liquidity, which pose risks for the inflation outlook and for macroeconomic policy more generally, particularly if the exchange rate band is maintained. Risks to the outlook could also arise from a weaker fiscal position, as the authorities’ fiscal program would result in a gradual decline in the fiscal deficit and a moderate but steady rise in the public debt ratio.

Executive Board Assessment

Executive Directors welcomed Costa Rica’s economic recovery and its favorable outlook, and stressed the importance of gearing macroeconomic policies toward containing domestic demand pressures. Given the challenges presented by high world commodity prices and significant capital inflows, Directors encouraged the authorities to tighten fiscal policy, move toward a more flexible exchange rate, and pursue a vigilant monetary policy.

Directors stressed the importance of safeguarding fiscal sustainability. They welcomed the tax reform proposal submitted to the Legislative Assembly, underscoring that its approval will be key. Directors supported the authorities’ efforts to broaden the tax base and improve the equity of the tax system, as well as the planned actions to strengthen tax administration. Looking ahead, they advised the authorities to pursue a more ambitious medium-term fiscal consolidation strategy to help rebuild fiscal buffers. Directors pointed out that the authorities’ fiscal program could result in a gradual rise in the public debt ratio, and stressed the need to exercise further expenditure restraint, particularly on current spending.

Directors noted the staff’s assessment that the exchange rate appears to be broadly in line with fundamentals. They considered that upgrading the monetary policy framework and completing the transition to an inflation targeting regime should be key priorities. They welcomed the authorities’ plans to narrow the corridor for short-term interest rates, and encouraged them to develop an effective communications strategy to address a move away from the exchange rate band and make the inflation target the centerpiece of the monetary policy framework. Directors agreed that recapitalizing the Central Bank is essential to bolstering its credibility.

Directors concurred that the banking system remains sound, and encouraged the authorities to continue strengthening supervision and prudential regulations. They stressed the importance of securing approval of the legislation to enhance consolidated supervision, establish a deposit insurance system, and strengthen the resolution framework. Directors encouraged the authorities to press ahead with implementing the remaining Financial Sector Assessment Program recommendations.

Directors welcomed that the authorities’ economic program, supported by the precautionary Stand-By Arrangement of 2009-10, had successfully met its immediate objective of supporting macroeconomic stability at a time of global financial turmoil. At the same time, they noted that the fiscal position had deteriorated, particularly through the enactment of permanent, rather than temporary measures, and that progress in advancing structural reforms was slow during the program period.