Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait

Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-03-28

Total Pages: 67

ISBN-13:

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Sustained political gridlock has hobbled reforms and increased macroeconomic vulnerabilities, but a new high-level effort offers hope for resolving the impasse. The authorities have been preparing a comprehensive reform plan which, if adopted by parliament, would pave the way to address the structural and fiscal imbalances in the economy and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. The authorities responded swiftly and decisively to the COVID-19 crisis with social distancing restrictions and fiscal, monetary, and financial policy support measures. In 2021, a high rate of vaccination was achieved, although there has been a major surge in infections with the recent arrival of the Omicron variant. A nascent economic recovery is underway, supported by higher oil prices and some relaxation of mobility restrictions. However, substantial uncertainties to the economic outlook underscore the importance of phasing out COVID-19 relief measures at a measured pace as the economy recovers, and of accelerating the reform momentum to limit risks and rebuild buffers. Banks entered the crisis from a position of strength and have remained well capitalized and highly liquid.


Book Synopsis Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait by : International Monetary

Download or read book Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait written by International Monetary and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2022-03-28 with total page 67 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sustained political gridlock has hobbled reforms and increased macroeconomic vulnerabilities, but a new high-level effort offers hope for resolving the impasse. The authorities have been preparing a comprehensive reform plan which, if adopted by parliament, would pave the way to address the structural and fiscal imbalances in the economy and promote sustainable and inclusive growth. The authorities responded swiftly and decisively to the COVID-19 crisis with social distancing restrictions and fiscal, monetary, and financial policy support measures. In 2021, a high rate of vaccination was achieved, although there has been a major surge in infections with the recent arrival of the Omicron variant. A nascent economic recovery is underway, supported by higher oil prices and some relaxation of mobility restrictions. However, substantial uncertainties to the economic outlook underscore the importance of phasing out COVID-19 relief measures at a measured pace as the economy recovers, and of accelerating the reform momentum to limit risks and rebuild buffers. Banks entered the crisis from a position of strength and have remained well capitalized and highly liquid.


Republic of Kazakhstan: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kazakhstan

Republic of Kazakhstan: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kazakhstan

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-04-11

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13:

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Activity returned to its pre-COVID level in 2021. Inflation remains well above the NBK’s 4–6 percent target band, and spillovers from sanctions on Russia will exacerbate price pressures and weaken economic growth in 2022. Kazakhstan benefits from strong fiscal and external buffers but risks to the outlook are elevated due to the uncertain impact on Kazakhstan of the sanctions on Russia and heightened domestic tensions since the January social unrest episode. In the medium term, non-oil growth under the baseline is expected to converge to about 4 percent. Sustainable growth will require greater economic diversification. Climate-related challenges are acute for Kazakhstan given its outsized hydrocarbon sector, high per-capita greenhouse gas emissions, and low domestic energy prices.


Book Synopsis Republic of Kazakhstan: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kazakhstan by : International Monetary

Download or read book Republic of Kazakhstan: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Statement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kazakhstan written by International Monetary and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2022-04-11 with total page 66 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Activity returned to its pre-COVID level in 2021. Inflation remains well above the NBK’s 4–6 percent target band, and spillovers from sanctions on Russia will exacerbate price pressures and weaken economic growth in 2022. Kazakhstan benefits from strong fiscal and external buffers but risks to the outlook are elevated due to the uncertain impact on Kazakhstan of the sanctions on Russia and heightened domestic tensions since the January social unrest episode. In the medium term, non-oil growth under the baseline is expected to converge to about 4 percent. Sustainable growth will require greater economic diversification. Climate-related challenges are acute for Kazakhstan given its outsized hydrocarbon sector, high per-capita greenhouse gas emissions, and low domestic energy prices.


Vietnam

Vietnam

Author: International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-03-01

Total Pages: 95

ISBN-13: 151357048X

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Successful containment of COVID-19 and strong policy support have helped contain the health and economic fallout, and a strong recovery is underway. Growth in 2020 reached 2.9 percent, among the highest in the world. However, labor market conditions remain weak. Corporate balance sheets have worsened, potentially hampering private investment and job prospects. Banks entered the crisis in a stronger position than in previous years, but weaknesses remain. Vietnam’s economy remains heavily reliant on external trade and is vulnerable to trade tensions.


Book Synopsis Vietnam by : International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept

Download or read book Vietnam written by International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2021-03-01 with total page 95 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Successful containment of COVID-19 and strong policy support have helped contain the health and economic fallout, and a strong recovery is underway. Growth in 2020 reached 2.9 percent, among the highest in the world. However, labor market conditions remain weak. Corporate balance sheets have worsened, potentially hampering private investment and job prospects. Banks entered the crisis in a stronger position than in previous years, but weaknesses remain. Vietnam’s economy remains heavily reliant on external trade and is vulnerable to trade tensions.


Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait

Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait

Author: International Monetary

Publisher:

Published: 2022-03-28

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait


Book Synopsis Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait by : International Monetary

Download or read book Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait written by International Monetary and published by . This book was released on 2022-03-28 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Kuwait: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Kuwait


Trinidad and Tobago: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Trinidad and Tobago

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-03-10

Total Pages: 84

ISBN-13:

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Trinidad and Tobago faced unprecedented challenges in 2020–21. The combined effects of COVID-19 and energy production and price shocks pushed the economy further into recession. A decisive policy response helped contain the virus spread and protect lives and livelihoods. The fiscal position worsened due to significant tax revenues shortfalls, pushing public debt up. The vaccination pace accelerated recently, but vaccine hesitancy remains high, amid a potential new wave of infections.


Book Synopsis Trinidad and Tobago: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Trinidad and Tobago by : International Monetary

Download or read book Trinidad and Tobago: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Trinidad and Tobago written by International Monetary and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2022-03-10 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Trinidad and Tobago faced unprecedented challenges in 2020–21. The combined effects of COVID-19 and energy production and price shocks pushed the economy further into recession. A decisive policy response helped contain the virus spread and protect lives and livelihoods. The fiscal position worsened due to significant tax revenues shortfalls, pushing public debt up. The vaccination pace accelerated recently, but vaccine hesitancy remains high, amid a potential new wave of infections.


Republic of Congo: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Congo

Republic of Congo: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Congo

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2021-10-05

Total Pages: 104

ISBN-13: 1513595512

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The COVID-19 pandemic and oil price shocks have taken a deep toll on the Congolese economy, weighing on incomes and inequality. Debt sustainability challenges precluded Fund financial assistance during the pandemic, and the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, approved in 2019, expired in April 2021 without having completed the first review. Recently, debt sustainability has been restored owing to the authorities’ debt restructuring strategy and current and projected higher oil prices. However, the risk of debt distress remains high given liquidity risks and vulnerabilities to negative oil price shocks. The authorities are actively negotiating the resolution of pending external arrears. Until this process is concluded and the negotiations with two external creditors are finalized, debt is classified as being “in distress.”


Book Synopsis Republic of Congo: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Congo by : International Monetary

Download or read book Republic of Congo: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Congo written by International Monetary and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2021-10-05 with total page 104 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The COVID-19 pandemic and oil price shocks have taken a deep toll on the Congolese economy, weighing on incomes and inequality. Debt sustainability challenges precluded Fund financial assistance during the pandemic, and the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement, approved in 2019, expired in April 2021 without having completed the first review. Recently, debt sustainability has been restored owing to the authorities’ debt restructuring strategy and current and projected higher oil prices. However, the risk of debt distress remains high given liquidity risks and vulnerabilities to negative oil price shocks. The authorities are actively negotiating the resolution of pending external arrears. Until this process is concluded and the negotiations with two external creditors are finalized, debt is classified as being “in distress.”


Bangladesh: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Bangladesh

Bangladesh: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Bangladesh

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-03-07

Total Pages: 107

ISBN-13:

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Since independence, Bangladesh has achieved impressive economic growth and social development, making steady progress in reducing poverty and significant improvements in living standards. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this long period of robust economic performance, deepening some earlier vulnerabilities. Stagnating job growth, rising inequality, and slowing poverty reduction remain challenges. Revenues are low, and financial sector vulnerabilities continue to be high. Substantial productive investment in infrastructure, human capital, and climate resilience is needed to achieve the authorities’ aspiration to reach the upper-middle income status in 2031.


Book Synopsis Bangladesh: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Bangladesh by : International Monetary

Download or read book Bangladesh: 2021 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Bangladesh written by International Monetary and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2022-03-07 with total page 107 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since independence, Bangladesh has achieved impressive economic growth and social development, making steady progress in reducing poverty and significant improvements in living standards. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this long period of robust economic performance, deepening some earlier vulnerabilities. Stagnating job growth, rising inequality, and slowing poverty reduction remain challenges. Revenues are low, and financial sector vulnerabilities continue to be high. Substantial productive investment in infrastructure, human capital, and climate resilience is needed to achieve the authorities’ aspiration to reach the upper-middle income status in 2031.


Kuwait

Kuwait

Author: International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2019-04-02

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13: 1498306357

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This Article IV Consultation highlights that growth has strengthened, and fiscal and external positions improved due to higher oil prices. The increased uncertainty about oil price prospects though underscores the need to reduce dependence on oil and increase savings for the future. The key priority is to build national consensus around equitable and well-sequenced reforms to underpin fiscal consolidation and promote the private sector. While authorities’ efforts to strengthen the fiscal accounts are welcomed, more ambitious reforms will be needed to secure adequate savings for future generations and reduce financing needs. Reforming the public wage bill, subsidies, and transfers, raising non-oil revenue, and enhancing the fiscal policy framework and governance are expected to support fiscal consolidation and increase the efficiency of spending on human and physical capital. Creating jobs for the large number of nationals joining the labor force over the next decade hinges on the emergence of a vibrant private sector.


Book Synopsis Kuwait by : International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Download or read book Kuwait written by International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept. and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2019-04-02 with total page 83 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Article IV Consultation highlights that growth has strengthened, and fiscal and external positions improved due to higher oil prices. The increased uncertainty about oil price prospects though underscores the need to reduce dependence on oil and increase savings for the future. The key priority is to build national consensus around equitable and well-sequenced reforms to underpin fiscal consolidation and promote the private sector. While authorities’ efforts to strengthen the fiscal accounts are welcomed, more ambitious reforms will be needed to secure adequate savings for future generations and reduce financing needs. Reforming the public wage bill, subsidies, and transfers, raising non-oil revenue, and enhancing the fiscal policy framework and governance are expected to support fiscal consolidation and increase the efficiency of spending on human and physical capital. Creating jobs for the large number of nationals joining the labor force over the next decade hinges on the emergence of a vibrant private sector.


Kuwait

Kuwait

Author: International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2023-09-18

Total Pages: 83

ISBN-13:

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Benefiting from high oil prices, Kuwait’s economic recovery continues, and the fiscal and external balances have strengthened. Inflation is contained and external buffers are increasing. However, structural challenges persist. The dominance of oil in Kuwait’s economy coupled with global decarbonization trends underscore the urgency for economic diversification and structural transformation, and the pursuit of fiscal reforms to reinforce sustainability.


Book Synopsis Kuwait by : International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Download or read book Kuwait written by International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept. and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2023-09-18 with total page 83 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Benefiting from high oil prices, Kuwait’s economic recovery continues, and the fiscal and external balances have strengthened. Inflation is contained and external buffers are increasing. However, structural challenges persist. The dominance of oil in Kuwait’s economy coupled with global decarbonization trends underscore the urgency for economic diversification and structural transformation, and the pursuit of fiscal reforms to reinforce sustainability.


Zimbabwe: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe

Author: International Monetary

Publisher: International Monetary Fund

Published: 2022-04-08

Total Pages: 120

ISBN-13:

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Zimbabwe experienced severe exogenous shocks (cyclone Idai, protracted drought, and the COVID-19 pandemic) during 2019-20, which along with policy missteps in 2019, led to a deep recession and high inflation. Real GDP contracted cumulatively by 11.7 percent during 2019-20 and inflation reached 837 percent (y/y) by July 2020. Reflecting good rainfall and relaxation of containment measures, real GDP rose by 6.3 percent in 2021. A tighter policy stance since mid-2020 (relative to 2019) has contributed to reducing inflation to 60.7 percent (y/y) at end-2021. However, high double-digit inflation and wide parallel foreign exchange (FX) market premia persist. The economic downturn and high inflation increased the financial system vulnerabilities. Extreme poverty has risen and about a third of the population is at risk of food insecurity. The international community seeks improvements in domestic political conditions and economic policies to initiate reengagement with Zimbabwe. The authorities have started token payments to external creditors in a bid to revive international reengagement.


Book Synopsis Zimbabwe: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe by : International Monetary

Download or read book Zimbabwe: 2022 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Zimbabwe written by International Monetary and published by International Monetary Fund. This book was released on 2022-04-08 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Zimbabwe experienced severe exogenous shocks (cyclone Idai, protracted drought, and the COVID-19 pandemic) during 2019-20, which along with policy missteps in 2019, led to a deep recession and high inflation. Real GDP contracted cumulatively by 11.7 percent during 2019-20 and inflation reached 837 percent (y/y) by July 2020. Reflecting good rainfall and relaxation of containment measures, real GDP rose by 6.3 percent in 2021. A tighter policy stance since mid-2020 (relative to 2019) has contributed to reducing inflation to 60.7 percent (y/y) at end-2021. However, high double-digit inflation and wide parallel foreign exchange (FX) market premia persist. The economic downturn and high inflation increased the financial system vulnerabilities. Extreme poverty has risen and about a third of the population is at risk of food insecurity. The international community seeks improvements in domestic political conditions and economic policies to initiate reengagement with Zimbabwe. The authorities have started token payments to external creditors in a bid to revive international reengagement.