Finance & Economics

Hungarian economy expanding but reforms needed to boost skills, business investment and incomes

The Hungarian economy has expanded strongly in recent years, helped by robust exports and firm domestic demand. But incomes are among the lowest in the OECD and structural reforms will be needed to sustain growth over the medium term, strengthen business investment and better match skills to labour market needs, according to a new OECD report.

IMF Statement at the End of a Review Mission to the Kyrgyz Republic

An IMF mission, led by Edward Gemayel, visited Bishkek during from April 21 to May 5, 2016 to conduct the second review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).

The Kyrgyz economy has been facing severe external shocks, including lower commodity prices, weak growth and depreciating currencies in the region.

Boost in Apparel Manufacturing Can Create Employment for Women in Pakistan

Pakistan has been successful in establishing and growing its apparel manufacturing industry, however, more can be done to realize its potential as a regional hub and to continue to boost opportunities, especially for women and the poor, according to a new World Bank report.

IMF Staff Completes 2016 Article IV Mission to Guinea

An IMF staff team led by Abdoul Aziz Wane, visited Conakry from April 21 to May 5 for the 2016 Article IV consultation discussions with the authorities. At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Wane made the following statement:

"The Guinean authorities have made significant progress in reducing macroeconomic imbalances since the last consultation in 2012.

IMF Executive Board Concludes 2016 Article IV Consultation with Zimbabwe and Third Review Under the Staff Monitored Program

On May 2, 2016, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Zimbabwe.
On May 2, 2016, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Zimbabwe.

IMF Staff Completes 2016 Article IV Mission to Liberia

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Carlo Sdralevich, visited Monrovia from April 20 to May 4, 2016 to conduct the 2016 Article IV consultations and initiate discussions on the fifth review of the government’s economic program supported by the IMF under an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement.

OECD annual inflation slows to 0.8% in March 2016

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IMF Calls for a Policy Reset to Secure Sub-Saharan Africa’s Medium-Term Growth

After an extended period of strong economic growth, sub-Saharan Africa is set to experience a second difficult year as the region is hit by multiple shocks, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on May 3. According to its April 2016 Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, Time for a Policy Reset, growth in the region as a whole is projected to fall to 3 percent in 2016, the lowest level in some 15 years, albeit with considerable differences across the region.

Navigating Low Prices: Mozambique Economic Update

After several consecutive years of accelerating growth, Mozambique’s economic performance eased to its slowest pace since 2009, whilst the economy remains increasingly exposed to heightened levels of fiscal risk, according to the Mozambique Economic Update released on May 3. Although Mozambique’s economic prospects remain sound, a robust policy response is vital to manage short term pressures and lay the ground for future growth. The report covers the period to March 2016.

IMF Staff Concludes Visit to Turkmenistan

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Björn Rother visited Ashgabat from April 26–29, 2016, to assess macroeconomic developments and discuss economic challenges and policy priorities with senior government officials and the diplomatic community.