Finance & Economics | WPN World People News

H.E. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi, Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Finance, and Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan, signed a new package of grant agreements in support of reforms valued at $350 million, on July 30.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Ms. Alison Stuart visited the Solomon Islands during July 18-31 to hold discussions on the 2018 Article IV Consultation.

On July 20, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Singapore.

Singapore’s economy strengthened markedly in 2017, benefiting from a synchronized global expansion and a surge in electronics exports, and maintained its momentum in 2018.

In the presence of the European Commission, the Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa, the President of France Emmanuel Macron, and the President of the government of Spain Pedro Sanchez were met in Lisbon to strengthen their regional cooperation in the framework of the Energy Union, on July 27.

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the second review of Chad’s economic performance under the program supported by an Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, on July 27.

Nearly 40,000 Vermonters receiving Social Security benefits will keep more of their income due to an income tax exemption proposed by Gov. Phil Scott and passed by the Legislature. This change, included in Act 11 of the 2018 Special Session, creates a personal income tax exemption for Social Security beneficiaries below certain income thresholds. The law takes effect in calendar year 2018 for tax returns filed in 2019.

On July 23, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the 2018 Article IV Consultation with the Slovak Republic.

Slovakia’s economic performance continues to be favorable, with real per capita GDP growing at the average annual rate of 3 percent over the past five years.

Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "Tidal energy is one of the technologies that can contribute in the transition towards a climate friendly energy supply in Europe. The French project approved will help showcase tidal energy technology, while limiting distortions of competition", on July 26.

The project will help increase access to and quality of WSS in different cities around the country, as well as the implementation of reforms of the new legal framework promoted by current sector policies.

On July 25, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with France.

Near-term growth prospects remain favorable, although less buoyant than in 2017. Real GDP growth is projected to reach 1.8 percent this year and 1.7 percent in 2019, supported by robust investment and solid consumption.