Middle East and Central Asia > Kyrgyz Republic

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International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
The Kyrgyz economy is highly dependent on remittances and foreign aid and does not have access to international capital markets. Inequality is relatively low, but poverty is widespread. The COVID crisis led to a sharp recession with output contracting by 8.6 percent in 2020, public debt rising by 16.5 percent of GDP to 68 percent, and the som depreciating by 19 percent against the US$. Under the assumption that the global pandemic begins to decisively recede this year, a rebound in growth is expected in 2021–22. However, significant uncertainty surrounds the baseline outlook and the recovery could be delayed if downside risks materialize. In the medium to long term, the main challenge is to create jobs for about 65,000 new jobseekers annually and to reduce labor out-migration. This will require deep structural reforms to transform the economy from a reliance on remittances to more diversified and private sector-led growth that is underpinned by higher investment and exports.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.

Abstract

Countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAP) region and those in the Caucasus and Central Asia (CCA) responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with swift and stringent measures to mitigate its spread and impact but continue to face an uncertain and difficult environment. Oil exporters were particularly hard hit by a “double-whammy” of the economic impact of lockdowns and the resulting sharp decline in oil demand and prices. Containing the health crisis, cushioning income losses, and expanding social spending remain immediate priorities. However, governments must also begin to lay the groundwork for recovery and rebuilding stronger, including by addressing legacies from the crisis and strengthening inclusion.

International Monetary Fund. Monetary and Capital Markets Department
External shocks continue to shape both the outlook and policies. A weaker-than-expected external environment is hurting growth, straining the budget, and raising public debt and banking sector vulnerabilities. The authorities’ response to shocks has focused on exchange rate flexibility and unorthodox stimulus measures, although the budget deficit in 2015 was well within the program target. For 2016, the authorities are undertaking additional efforts to adhere to the program’s fiscal commitments. Financial sector vulnerabilities and risks are high and rising. Slow progress toward passing the Banking Law that aims to introduce a modern bank resolution system and increase the independence of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic remains a concern. The change in the cabinet just six months after the elections underlines the fluidity of the country’s political situation.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
This paper discusses the Kyrgyz Republic’s Request for a Three-year Arrangement Under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). Performance under the previous ECF arrangement, which expired last July, was good. Macroeconomic stability was restored, fiscal consolidation was stronger than planned, monetary policy was enhanced through a new interest rate-based framework, and supervision was strengthened in the financial sector. Although performance under the last ECF arrangement was good, new challenges have emerged, and some key reforms have yet to be implemented. The IMF staff supports the authorities’ request for a three-year arrangement under the ECF.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
The shift to a parliamentary democracy in 2010 provided an impetus for the Kyrgyz Republic to reform the economy. Despite the recent progress, the Kyrgyz Republic faces significant economic challenges, which will require actions on many fronts. Improving the business climate, governance, and institutions remains a key pillar of sustainable and inclusive growth. Restoring fiscal sustainability will be essential, as the budget has become more dependent on external assistance since the 2009 global and 2010 domestic crises. Tight monetary policy continues to be warranted to keep inflation at bay.
International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
The Kyrgyz Republic has stabilized with the formation of a new coalition, but political uncertainty remains. Despite a slump in gold production and delays in donor financing, monetary and fiscal policies remained prudent. Improving the business climate, good governance, and strong institutions remain key to sustaining strong growth over the medium term. Fiscal consolidation with strong revenue measures and prudent expenditure policies are instrumental in safeguarding macroeconomic stability. More forceful reform efforts are needed to ensure long-term viability of the banking sector.
International Monetary Fund

Abstract

This paper discusses Fiscal Year 2003 Annual Report for Japan Administered Account for Selected IMF Activities (JSA). The report consists of a brief description of the IMF and its activities, with a particular focus on its technical assistance activities. It provides greater detail with regard to the JSA and the scholarship programs. It also describes the objectives, size and scope, and use with a focus on fiscal year 2003. The report highlights that in FY2003, JSA financing accounted for 18 percent of total IMF technical assistance, 33 percent of the assistance delivered in the field, and 66 percent of the total external financing.

International Monetary Fund. External Relations Dept.
When IMF Deputy Managing Director Eduardo Aninat traveled to Latin America in January, he proposed a three-pronged self-help agenda for the continent that internalizes the lessons learned from the recent spate of crises. What follows are updated excerpts from remarks given at conferences at the University of Viña del Mar in Chile and at the central bank in Lima, Peru.
Emine Gürgen
and
Mr. Thomas A. Wolf
This paper examines the indirect role the IMF plays in combating corruption in the Baltic and CIS countries by promoting structural reforms that help improve economic governance and thus reduce opportunities for rent-seeking behavior. The analysis draws on examples of actual experience with corruption and outlines some of the structural measures under IMF-supported arrangements, which, if successfully implemented, can be expected to help gradually alleviate corruption. It also summarizes IMF-wide initiatives under way to strengthen public sector transparency and accountability, and highlights the key structural areas likely to receive emphasis in the IMF’s future policy advice to countries in the region.