Finance & Economics

IMF Staff Completes 2015 Article IV Mission to Namibia

A mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Jiro Honda visited Namibia during June 24‒July 7, 2015 to conduct the 2015 Article IV consultation with Namibia. The mission met with the Prime Minister, Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila; Minister of Finance, Hon. Calle Schlettwein; the Governor of the Bank of Namibia, Mr. Ipumbu Shiimi; other senior government officials, and representatives of the private sector and development partners. The mission would like to express its gratitude to the authorities and their staffs for the highly professional, productive, and open discussions.

Relaunch productivity to boost growth and well-being

The slowdown in productivity over the past decade has added to concerns about the long-term economic outlook. But new OECD research shows that policy reforms can revive the diffusion of innovation and make better use of human talent to clear the path for higher and more inclusive productivity growth.

IMF Executive Board Completes Second PSI Review for Tanzania

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund completed Monday the second review of Tanzania’s economic performance under the program supported by the Policy Support Instrument (PSI).

Governments should target prudent debt levels and fiscal rules will help get there

Governments should set prudent debt targets to ensure that public finances serve to promote economic growth and stability, according to new OECD research.

World must weigh the true cost of coal to be serious about climate - OECD’s Gurría

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IMF Concludes 2015 Article IV Consultation Mission to Cambodia

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Ms. Sonali Jain-Chandra visited Phnom Penh during June 22–July 3, 2015 to conduct discussions for the 2015 Article IV consultation with Cambodia. The team assessed macroeconomic developments and held policy discussions with ministers and senior officials of the Royal Government of Cambodia, and met a large group of stakeholders, including representatives of the academic and business community, civil society, and development partners.

Circular economy: the importance of re-using products and materials

The average European consumes 14 tonnes of raw materials and generates five tonnes of waste a year. These figures look alarming considering our resources are limited, but there might be a solution. Many products and materials can be reused or repaired, thus reducing waste. On Monday MEPs debate a report that calls on the European Commission to put forward an ambitious proposal to facilitate a transition towards a circular economy, where products are designed in order to facilitate reuse.

Korea Partners With Eight African Countries and World Bank Group to Build Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology

With support from the World Bank Group, eight African governments are collaborating with the Republic of Korea to strengthen human resources and build skills locally in the applied sciences, engineering and technology.

IMF Executive Board Completes Fourth Policy Support Instrument for Mozambique

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Thursday completed the fourth review of Mozambique’s economic performance under the program supported by the Policy Support Instrument (PSI). In completing the review, the Board also approved the modification of three assessment criteria and one indicative target for June 2015 in line with the updated economic outlook for Mozambique.

Discrimination and poor job prospects hit children of immigrants

The children of immigrants continue to face major difficulties integrating in OECD countries, especially in the European Union, where their poor educational outcomes leave many struggling to find work, according to a new OECD/EU report.