Country Reports
2017
March 10, 2017
Cluster Report: Trade Integration in Latin America and the Caribbean
Description: This Cluster Report explores opportunities for trade integration in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. It finds that the region can reap significant growth benefits from further trade integration. With trade integration below that of other regions, there is scope for Latin America and the Caribbean to increase trade as an engine of growth to help offset the weaker economic outlook without damage to overall income inequality. There is potential to enhance both inter- and intraregional trade integration, but renewed political momentum within the region in support of greater trade openness could do much to further intraregional trade integration in particular.
March 7, 2017
Botswana: Technical Assistance Report-Banking Sector Safety Net and Crisis Management
Description: This Technical Assistance Report evaluates the banking sector safety net and crisis management in Botswana. The current legislative framework guiding bank resolution and financial sector crisis management is weak, and the authorities have embarked on a revision. The Bank of Botswana lacks some of the legal powers required for implementing corrective action for banks that are in breach of prudential requirements or are conducting business in an unsound or unsafe manner. Key elements for a corrective action framework, including a contingency plan for dealing with weak banks and guidance on indicative remedial measures based on well-defined triggers, are also lacking, and major amendments to the legal framework are needed.
March 2, 2017
Mongolia: Technical Assistance Report- Report on the National Accounts Mission
Description: This Technical Assistance Report evaluates the National Accounts Mission in Mongolia. Mongolia’s national accounts statistics were found to be broadly adequate for IMF surveillance according to the most recent IMF Staff Report. The National Statistics Office is commended for having compiled the existing GDP data and for continuing to implement the current international standard. However, several areas for further improvement in national accounts statistics should be incorporated into the work program. These include the need to secure the National Statistics Office’s new institutional structure and enhance its staff’s skills mix, improve coordination among stakeholders, and upgrade the survey forms currently in use in order to compile enhanced estimates of GDP.
March 1, 2017
Republic of Mozambique: Technical Assistance Report on Towards More Efficient Non-Resource Taxation - A Strategy for Reform
Description: The report contributes to the discussions held at the Mozambique’s Revenue Authority on improving efficiency on non-resource taxation.
March 1, 2017
Morocco: Selected Issues
Description: This Selected Issues paper quantifies the effect of gender inequality in Morocco on growth, compared with groups of faster growing countries. The results highlight the effect of closing the overall gender gap, which would help narrow up to 1 percentage point the difference between Morocco’s GDP per capita and that of benchmark countries in other regions. Simulations also show that gradually closing gender gaps in the labor force participation rate could lead to significant income gains over the long term. Policy recommendations to promote gender equality include investing in secondary education for women and in infrastructure and reforming tax policies and laws that discriminate against women.
February 28, 2017
Albania: Ninth and Tenth Reviews Under the Extended Arrangement, and Proposal for Post-Programmonitoring-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Excutive Director for Albania
Description: This paper discusses Albania’s Ninth and Tenth Reviews under the Extended Arrangement and Proposal for Post-Program Monitoring. All performance criteria were met, although of the three indicative targets were missed by a narrow margin. Eleven structural benchmarks were also implemented. Over the past three years, the authorities have met most quantitative targets and have made good progress in implementing the structural reform agenda under the program, albeit with some delays. The IMF staff supports the completion of the Ninth and Tenth Reviews under the Extended Arrangement.
February 27, 2017
Islamic Republic of Iran: Selected Issues
Description: This Selected Issues paper analyzes impediments to correspondent banking with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even though international nuclear sanctions were lifted January 16, 2016, Iranian banks face protracted difficulties in reentering the international financial system through correspondent relationships with global banks. Significant challenges continue to prevent Iranian banks from fully reconnecting with global banks. These challenges relate mostly to remaining sanctions from the United States; the regulatory enforcement environment; and significant deficiencies in Iran’s Anti–Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism framework, including Iranian companies’ lack of transparency. Domestic policy reforms can potentially facilitate reconnection to non-US global banks.
February 27, 2017
Islamic Republic of Iran: 2016 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Islamic Republic of Iran
Description: This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights a rebound in economic growth in the Islamic Republic of Iran over the course of 2016–17 based on higher oil production. Real GDP grew 7.4 percent in the first half of 2016–17, rebounding from the 2015–16 recession. However, growth in the non-oil sector averaged 0.9 percent, despite having picked up in the second quarter, reflecting continued difficulties in access to financing and domestic financial sector and structural weaknesses. Growth is projected to stabilize at 4.5 percent over the medium term as the recovery broadens. The current account is forecast to remain in surplus as higher exports offset the pickup in imports related to investment.
February 27, 2017
Somalia: 2016 article iv consultationpress release; staff report; and statement by the executive director for Somalia
Description: This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights the Government of Somalia’s continued significant efforts toward restoring its key economic and financial institutions despite a very difficult political environment. The Somali economy is expected to continue to be sustained by donor grants, remittances, and foreign direct investment, mostly by the Somali diaspora. Economic activity is projected to decelerate in 2016–17. Growth is projected to be 3.4 percent and 2.5 percent in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Somali government will continue to implement measures to improve the fiscal framework, raise tax revenue, and implement structural reforms.
February 24, 2017
Niger: 2016 Article IV Consultation and Request for a Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Niger
Description: This 2016 Article IV Consultation highlights Niger’s macroeconomic outcomes, which continue to be affected by security and humanitarian shocks, weak commodity prices, and reduced trade flows to neighboring countries. For 2016, growth is projected at 4.6 percent, slightly higher than the 3.5 percent recorded in 2015, but still only just above the rate of population growth. The medium-term economic outlook is favorable, but remains subject to substantial external and domestic risks. Growth is projected to increase to 5.2 percent in 2017 and to average 6.0 percent during 2018–21, mainly as a result of the expansion of the extractive industries sector and an increase in public and private investments.