Country Reports
2013
May 8, 2013
Mali: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
Description: Mali’s territorial integrity is threatened, questioning its internal capacity to face challenges and especially to ensure the physical safety of goods and individuals. The government is committed to implement all measures to overcome this situation. More specifically, it will increase political and diplomatic actions for a quick and successful crisis outcome, maintain peace and security, revive economic activity, maintain social gains and target the poorest populations, fight against corruption and financial crime, and improve revenue mobilization to reduce dependence on aid.
Notes: Also available in French
May 8, 2013
Mali: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper-Joint Staff Advisory Note
Description: Mali’s Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategic Paper provides a comprehensive framework for implementing an ambitious growth and poverty reduction agenda. Executive Directors approve the elaboration of GPRSP-3, which will guide the country in its efforts to sustainably reduce poverty. The strategy is both comprehensive and ambitious, and the approach to integrate short-term crisis-related programs within the medium term GPRSP-3 framework is commended. However, the successful implementation hinges critically on full political support and commitment to address key shortcomings.
Notes: Also available in French
May 7, 2013
Republic of Kosovo: Third Review Under the Stand-By Arrangement and Request for Waiver of Nonobservance of Criterion
Description: Kosovo’s macroeconomic and financial policies have remained broadly on track. Progress continues to be made toward the key objectives, i.e., restoring a sustainable fiscal position and sufficient government cash buffers, anchoring fiscal policy, and enhancing the resilience of the financial system. Careful preparation of social spending initiatives and fragile political environment remains key. The policies under the program provide the best safeguard to steer the economy through the period ahead, establish confidence in macroeconomic management, and lay the foundations for robust and balanced growth.
April 30, 2013
Kenya: Fifth Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility and Request for a Waiver and Modification of Performance Criteria—Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Press Release
Description: Economic activity in Kenya has remained resilient to uncertainty surrounding the elections, the impact of the European crisis, and security-related concerns. Fiscal policy is in line with the program despite difficulties. International reserves are on the rise, and the deficit of the external current account has shrunk significantly. Key structural reforms to strengthen the institutional framework are under way. A peaceful political transition, strengthened macroeconomic conditions, and structural reforms could unleash Kenya’s growth potential, attract foreign investment, and lay the basis for transforming the country into an emerging-market economy.
April 30, 2013
Niger: 2013 First Review Under the Three-Year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit facility and Request for a Waiver of Nonobservance of Performance Criterion-Staff Report; Staff Supplements; and Press Release
Description: Economic activity was buoyant in Niger thanks to a new oil project, contributing to a strengthened external account and a rebound in agricultural production. Economic developments, however, remained vulnerable to climatic shocks and the fragile security situation in the region. Fiscal developments were affected by shortfalls in oil and customs revenue credit to the private sector. The government budget has been made with the objective of maintaining macroeconomic stability while advancing development. The implementation of the financial sector development strategy and poverty reduction strategy is required.
Notes: Also available in French
April 30, 2013
Niger: Joint Staff Advisory Note on the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
Description: Niger’s new Poverty Reduction Strategy (PDES) represents its overarching reference framework for the government’s development agenda. It also proposes changes in policy orientation and institutional arrangements to respond to recent developments in Niger and in the subregion. The PDES was developed in an inclusive participatory process. Overall, it provides a comprehensive analysis of development challenges and a plan to achieve accelerated sustainable growth, identifies key risks to the achievements of the objectives as well as mitigating measures.
Notes: Also available in French
April 30, 2013
Niger: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
Description: Niger understands the need to adopt a long-term strategy capable of optimizing natural and human resources to promote sustainable economic and social development and inclusive growth. The government has renewed planning efforts in the preparation of three principal strategic documents. These three strategic planning tools are complementary, and the government is committed to implementing them so that they interact with each other synergistically while ensuring dynamic linkages between short-, medium-, and long-term programs.
Notes: Also available in French
April 18, 2013
Philippines: Selected Issues
Description: This article is an empirical analysis on tax collections in the Philippines. The tax system is characterized by a rule of tax incentives provided by 13 investment agencies. Tax collections showed regular growth. The GDP ratio increased from 12.1 percent (2009) to 12.8 percent (2012), but the revenue-to-GDP ratio was low to fill large gaps for education, health, and infrastructure; therefore the authorities encompassed the sin taxes (alcohol and tobacco excises). The most important source of income for the Philippines is the labor export. This large-scale labor emigration fetches a sufficient amount of annual inflows of more than 9 percent of GDP.
April 18, 2013
Philippines: 2013 Article IV Consultation
Description: The Philippines’ macroeconomic fundamentals have improved considerably during the past decade. However, new macrofinancial challenges are emerging. The economy is continuing to adjust to the large persistent inflows from abroad. Transmission of domestic policy interest rates has been weakened by low interest rates abroad and ample domestic liquidity. The continued focus on mobilizing fiscal revenue will help support sustained and inclusive growth, while strengthening resilience to shocks. Improvements in the investment climate would make growth more persistent and support domestic job creation.
April 12, 2013
Republic of Kosovo: Financial System Stability Assessment
Description: This article summarizes the financial performance and crisis management of the Republic of Kosovo. Kosovo’s economic condition shows stability in systematic risks, but it also has vulnerabilities. Kosovo banks are exposed to macrofinancial risks because of its open economy, but the Central Bank of the Republic of Kosovo (CBK) has immensely promoted the growth and stability of the banking sector. CBK should also monitor certain interest rates, tax rates, and foreign rates. The current system should allow the growth of microfinance institutions to reach the competition in the global banking sector.