By January 11, 2013
Public Information Notices (PINs) form part of the IMF's efforts to promote transparency of the IMF's views and analysis of economic developments and policies. With the consent of the country (or countries) concerned, PINs are issued after Executive Board discussions of Article IV consultations with member countries, of its surveillance of developments at the regional level, of post-program monitoring, and of ex post assessments of member countries with longer-term program engagements. PINs are also issued after Executive Board discussions of general policy matters, unless otherwise decided by the Executive Board in a particular case. Thestaff report(use the freeAdobe Acrobat Readerto view this pdf file) for the 2012 Article IV Consultation with Albania is also available. |
On December 3, 2012, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Albania.
Background
Albania has successfully avoided a serious economic slowdown since 2009, but with euro zone problems persisting, the economy slowed considerably in the first half of 2012. Credit growth fell sharply between January and August, as consumer and investor confidence weakened. Inflation has been low and relatively stable, largely within the central bank's 2-4 percent target range. The current account deficit has begun to adjust on account of weakening imports but still remains high. Heavy exposure of exports and remittances to Greece and Italy carries near-term risks.
Fiscal imbalances are rising. At nearly 60 percent, the debt-GDP ratio has reached the statutory ceiling and is among the highest in the region. Tax revenues have been trending downward, partly due to cyclical conditions, while most expenditure cuts have been focused on capital. Rollover needs are high as more than half of public debt is short term.
The banking system has been resilient so far, with banks having high liquidity and capital ratios. Strong macroprudential actions have mitigated risks. However, nonperforming loans have risen sharply over the last two years and now exceed one fifth of all outstanding loans-the highest ratio in the region. Greek bank subsidiaries, which account for one-fifth of bank assets, have made considerable progress in re-aligning lending with their domestic deposit base and increasing capital.
Progress in reforming the business climate-critical for attracting investment and achieving sustained growth over the medium term-has been limited. Albania has dropped 8 places on the World Bank's Doing Business Index to a rank of 85.
Executive Board Assessment
Executive Directors commended the authorities for prudent policies that have supported growth in the midst of the global financial crisis. However, Directors noted that the economy is slowing, policy buffers have been depleted, and macroeconomic imbalances persist. Against this backdrop, they recommended actions on a variety of fronts to preserve fiscal sustainability, safeguard financial soundness, and improve the investment climate.
Directors underscored the importance of a sustained fiscal adjustment that would reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio over the medium term without unduly dampening growth. Budgetary consolidation should center on both tax and expenditure reforms. Taking note of proposed legislation to remove the statutory debt limit, Directors agreed on the need for a renewed commitment to a credible ceiling for public indebtedness to anchor the authorities' fiscal plans. Improvements in debt management are also a priority, given rollover risks. In this regard, Directors encouraged the authorities to utilize prospective privatization receipts mainly for debt reduction and clearance of unpaid bills.
Directors observed that inflation targeting in the context of a flexible exchange rate regime has been effective in keeping inflation low and stable. However, they noted that the scope for easing monetary policy further is limited by weakness in the economy as well as the risk of an adverse impact on unhedged positions in banks' balance sheets. Directors took note of the staff's assessment that the real effective exchange rate is modestly overvalued, and urged the authorities to accelerate fiscal and structural reforms to foster competitiveness and external adjustment.
Directors commended the authorities for policies that have safeguarded the soundness of the financial system. At the same time, they recognized that financial risks remained elevated, and called for continued supervisory vigilance. In particular, Directors encouraged the authorities to take action against rising nonperforming loans at banks, including by clearing unpaid government bills and improving collateral execution. Directors welcomed the authorities' request for an update in 2013 under the Financial Sector Assessment Program.
Directors stressed the need to accelerate structural reforms in many areas to boost potential growth. Priorities include strengthening property rights and contract enforcement which would enhance the investment climate. Impediments in the energy sector also need to be addressed to make the sector self-sustaining and lower fiscal
risks. Directors highlighted the importance of further improving Albania's economic statistics, particularly as regards the national and external accounts, to help policy design and evaluation.
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