Country Reports
2024
January 29, 2024
Oman: Selected Issues
Description: This Selected Issues paper revisits the exposure of Oman’s fiscal position to an array of potential risks, zooming in on the impact of oil price volatility and potential risks stemming from state-owned enterprises. It documents actions taken by Omani policymakers to mitigate the impact of fiscal risks and provides further recommendations on fiscal risk disclosure and management. Better understanding of fiscal risks, combined with their transparent reporting and effective risk management underpin fiscal credibility and the sustainability of public finances. The annual budget can disclose guarantees, related beneficiaries, the expected duration, and the intended purpose. It is essential to identify and disclose the main fiscal risks from climate-related events and Oman’s climate agenda, both in qualitative and quantitative terms. Effective fiscal policymaking and fiscal risk management require appropriate coordination of decision making between central government and other parts of the public sector.
January 29, 2024
Oman: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Oman
Description: Economic activity has recovered, supported by favorable oil prices and sustained reform momentum. Inflation remains low. After years in deficit, fiscal and current account balances have turned into surpluses on the back of high energy prices and prudent fiscal management. Public sector debt has been reduced markedly as windfall savings were deployed to prepay debt. The authorities have made substantial progress in implementing Oman Vision 2040, but more remains to be done to reduce Oman’s reliance on hydrocarbons and bolster prospects for non-hydrocarbon growth.
January 29, 2024
Malta: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Malta
Description: Malta has experienced an impressive recovery from the pandemic and demonstrated resilience to shocks resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. With weaker growth in Europe and waning post-pandemic pent-up demand, staff expect growth to decelerate somewhat but continue to expand by 6¼ percent in 2023 and 5 percent in 2024, among the highest in Europe. Persistent inflationary pressures are expected, while concern has risen about growing capacity constraints. The financial system has demonstrated resilience to successive shocks.
January 26, 2024
Republic of North Macedonia: 2023 Article IV Consultation and First Review Under the Precautionary and Liquidity Line-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Republic of North Macedonia
Description: Recent Developments, Outlook and Risks. Staff project GDP growth of 2.3 percent in 2023, lower than at the time of PLL arrangement approval, driven by lower external demand and a slowdown in investment. Staff expect an investment recovery to be a key driver of the recovery in 2024, with projected GDP growth of 3.0 percent. Inflation is coming down, driven by monetary tightening and lower global commodity prices, and is projected to be at 4.5 percent average in 2024. The current account is benefitting from lower international energy prices, and international reserves are at an adequate level and projected to remain so. Risks are mainly related to geopolitical tensions, commodity price volatility, and unfunded promises ahead of the elections planned for the spring.
January 25, 2024
Ghana: 2023 Article IV Consultation, First Review Under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility, Request for Modification of Performance Criteria, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; Staff Supplement; and Statement by the Executive Director for Ghana
Description: Large external shocks in recent years exacerbated pre-existing fiscal and debt vulnerabilities, resulting in an acute crisis in 2022. In response, the authorities have adjusted macroeconomic policies, made significant progress on a comprehensive debt restructuring, and launched wide-ranging reforms. These efforts are bearing fruit, and signs of economic stabilization are emerging. Growth in 2023 has proven resilient, inflation has declined, and the fiscal and external positions have improved. Nonetheless, fully and durably restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability and fostering a sustainable increase in economic growth and poverty reduction will require steadfast policy and reform implementation.
January 24, 2024
Greece: 2023 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Greece
Description: Greece’s economic outlook has improved notably, but significant challenges remain. The economy has resumed income convergence, ending a decade of stagnation with high unemployment and low investment amid large deleveraging. Real GDP has expanded beyond the pre-pandemic trend level, driven by the cyclical recovery of tourism demand and the resumption of structural reforms and investment in the context of Next Generation EU. Strong growth and high inflation have brought the public debt-to-GDP ratio down below its pre-pandemic level with limited financing risks in the medium term due to the favorable debt structure. However, despite regaining sovereign investment grade status and improving bank balance sheets, the economy is facing macro-financial challenges amid significant monetary policy tightening, persistent core inflation, and rising real estate prices. Structural imbalances arising from low household savings and still low level of investment as well as increasing risks from climate change are weighing on medium-term growth prospects.