Policy Papers

February 25, 2005

Offshore Financial Centers - The Assessment Program - A Progress Report

February 22, 2005

Financial Sector Assessment Program - Review, Lessons, and Issues Going Forward

Description: This paper reports on developments in the Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) since the last Board review of the FSAP in spring 2003 and discusses staff views of the programs evolution.

February 22, 2005

What Hinders Investment in the Oil Sector?

February 15, 2005

Trade Conditionality Under Fund-Supported Programs, 1990-2004

February 14, 2005

Review of the IMF's Trade Restrictiveness Index

Description: This paper examines the construction of the index and its use over the past seven years, identifies its limitations, examines several alternative measures of trade policy, and highlights some options for improving the Fund’s use of trade policy indicators.

February 8, 2005

Integrating IMF Communications and Operations

Description: Transparency and communication have become central to the IMF's mission. The main thesis is that an important means of further strengthening the IMF's external communication in the period ahead will be better coordination and integration of communication with the IMF's policies and operations, especially in country work and for major policy initiatives and issues. Options for implementing the IMF's existing external communications strategy that can be accommodated within existing budget limits are highlighted for discussion.

February 7, 2005

Review of Fund Work on Trade

Description: The Fund has responded to a number of recent challenges facing its members by stepping up its work on trade. The Fund’s trade agenda has been shaped by both Executive Board guidance and demands on missions. The present report assesses the Fund’s priorities in the trade area, takes stock of its work, and reviews the Fund’s collaboration and division of labor with other institutions.

February 2, 2005

Concept Note -- Joint World Bank and IMF Report on Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers -- Progress in Implementation -- 2005 PRS Review

January 16, 2005

IMF/Netherlands Program - Legal and Judicial Report in Indonesia 2000-2004 - External Evaluation Final Report

Description: The evaluation of the IMF/Netherlands Program for legal and judicial reform in Indonesia was undertaken during July 2004 in Jakarta by a team of three persons appointed by the Government of Indonesia, the Government of the Netherlands, and the IMF. All three are well acquainted with Indonesia and its legal institutions. Together they interviewed over sixty-six persons from twenty-nine institutions and organizations, including IMF and World Bank personnel, judicial personnel, other government officials, private contractors, non-governmental organizations in any way connected with the Program, and foreign donor organizations engaged in relevant programs. The members of the evaluation team and the list of those whom they interviewed can be found in appendixes one and two.

January 10, 2005

Subsidization of the Fund's Emergency Assistance for Natural Disasters to PRGF-Eligible Members

Description: This paper provides the semi-annual update on the financing of PRGF and HIPC operations and the subsidization of post-conflict emergency assistance.