Country Reports
2023
June 26, 2023
Uganda: Fourth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement, Requests for a Waiver of Nonobservance of a Performance Criterion and Modification of a Performance Criterion-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Uganda
Description: The outlook remains challenging. While the economy is recovering from shocks induced by the war in Ukraine and the Ebola outbreak, the recent global market turmoil, and potential spillovers from the conflict in Sudan pose new policy challenges. The authorities have reacted to the shocks with support to vulnerable households, an appropriate monetary policy stance to contain inflation, and fiscal consolidation to contain vulnerabilities.
June 25, 2023
Indonesia: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Indonesia
Description: Outlook and risks. The Indonesian economy performed strongly in 2022, driven by a recovery in domestic demand and solid export performance. Growth is projected to moderate slightly in 2023 amid tighter domestic policy settings and the normalization of commodity prices, while inflationary pressures are expected to subside, with inflation falling within BI’s headline inflation target band in the second half of 2023. Risks are balanced, but a highly uncertain global economic environment continues to cloud the outlook. Continued high inflation and growth slowdown in major economies, lower commodity prices, and heightened volatility in global financial markets constitute key near-term risks.
June 23, 2023
Iceland: Financial System Stability Assessment
Description: Iceland has made solid progress since the 2008 crisis and the last FSAP update in restructuring banks and implementing important financial sector reforms. It has transposed many EU Directives and Regulations into national law, improving the regulatory, supervisory, and crisis management frameworks. Despite global headwinds, Iceland is exiting the pandemic with strong economic growth and highly capitalized banks. Rising inflation has prompted appropriate policy rate hikes, and macroprudential policies related to real estate exposures have been tightened. Payment systems are dependent on international connectivity of debit and credit card providers.
June 23, 2023
Iceland: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Iceland
Description: Iceland has recovered from the shocks of recent years faster than envisaged and scarring from the pandemic is expected to be minimal. The recovery reflects pent-up demand from the pandemic, a rebound of the tourism industry, rapid immigration, and the fact that, unlike most European countries, Iceland experienced an improvement in its terms of trade in 2022. The economy is currently operating above potential. Absent an adjustment in policies, imbalances are likely to increase. Risks are tilted to the downside.
June 22, 2023
Dominican Republic: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Dominican Republic
Description: Supported by sound policies and positive spillovers, the Dominican Republic has staged an impressive recovery from the pandemic, cementing its place as one of the most dynamic and resilient economies in the Western Hemisphere. The strong recovery began moderating at the end of 2022 in response to tighter global financial conditions, lower global demand, and policy accommodation withdrawal, helping ease inflationary pressures. The current account deficit widened in 2022 to 5.6 percent of GDP and was mostly financed by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows, with the country maintaining sound market access. The financial sector appears well-capitalized, liquid, and profitable.
June 22, 2023
Portugal: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; and Staff Report
Description: The Portuguese economy has sustained its dynamic recovery from the pandemic. Driven by private consumption and external demand, growth in 2022 was markedly higher than the euro area (6.7 percent versus 3.5 percent). Growth is projected to slow to 2.6 percent in 2023, with downdrafts from higher cost of living on domestic demand and a slower external demand growth. Headline inflation is expected to decline from 8.1 percent in 2022 to 5.6 percent in 2023, with core inflation declining more gradually. Near-term risks to the outlook are broadly balanced—key downside risks arise from tighter-than-projected financial conditions and weaker global growth, offset by upsides from tourism.
June 21, 2023
Sierra Leone: Sixth and Seventh Reviews Under the Extended Credit Facility, Requests for Waivers of Nonobservance of Performance Criteria, Extension of the Arrangement, Rephasing of Disbursements, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sierra Leone
Description: Since the 5th review under the ECF arrangement in July 2022, macro policies have become more expansionary than expected, inflation has continued to rise, the leone has depreciated sharply and debt related risks have increased notably. Deadly floods weakened activity and highlighted climate-related risks. The risk of social unrest remains high given the soaring cost of living and record levels of food insecurity. The President appointed a new economic team in early 2023 which has begun to take decisive action to tackle these challenges. Discussions focused on recent developments as well as policy commitments to restore stability, maintain debt sustainability, and achieve program objectives.