IMF Podcasts

In the last two decades, many low-income countries have experienced economic take off. But in the 60s and 70s, many of these same countries already boasted robust economic performances, until it all came to an abrupt stop. Can low-income countries keep on growing, this time?

Dans le processus de développement, les pays subissent des changements structurels. Autrement dit, leurs priorités économiques évoluent d'un secteur à l'autre. Ils diversifient leurs produits, favorisant ainsi leur ascension économique. Mais quand un pays aussi vaste que la Chine procède à des réformes structurelles, l'impact se ressent au-delà de ses frontières.

When you want to get a better job or achieve personal development, you might choose to increase your skills. This might mean learning something new, or acquiring more education. It's the same with countries, if they want to climb up the ladder of development, they need to develop their capacity, or "capabilities," says top economist Ricardo Hausmann.

تأخرت بلدان منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا عن اللحاق بركب اقتصادات الأسواق الصاعدة والبلدان النامية في مجالي النمو الاقتصادي والتجارة على مدار العقدين الماضيين، ولم تكن التجارة في هذه البلدان بمثابة المحرك القوي للنمو مقارنة بالبلدان الأخرى. تركز مقالة في عدد مجلة التمويل والتنمية لصندوق النقد الدولي على هذه المستويات المنخفضة في التجارة في المنطقة. ويوضح الخبير الاقتصادي "أمين ماتي" كيف يمكن توسيع نطاق النمو في المنطقة.

In many countries, governments often subsidize the energy sector keeping the price of power lower than it might otherwise be. The aim is to protect the poor by keeping prices low. But, a new study by the International Monetary Fund suggests that these subsidies don't always have the desired effect.

Les subventions énergétiques jouent un rôle important dans de nombreuses régions du monde. Elles peuvent aider les pauvres en facilitant leur accès à l'énergie. Toutefois, une nouvelle étude du FMI indique que ces subventions ont souvent des conséquences imprévues.

Supporters of globalization say that globalization creates growth by encouraging people and countries to interact and trade with each other across national borders. But, has the focus on international integration caused policymakers to overlook the need to integrate their national economies?

Sub-Saharan economies might be performing well now, but not so long ago, they were mired in debt. During the 70's, many of them borrowed money to unsustainable levels and found themselves unable to service their debt. Joly explains how they got out of their predicament.

Les pays d'Afrique subsaharienne enregistrent de bons résultats aujourd'hui, mais il n'y a pas si longtemps, ils étaient surendettés. Dans les années 70, beaucoup d'entre eux ont emprunté dans des proportions intenables et se sont trouvés dans l'incapacité de repayer leur dette.

Mozambique has had one of highest growth rates in Sub-Saharan Africa over the past two decades. But the increased riches aren't being enjoyed by all. The government is now aiming for "inclusive growth"—something which the IMF is increasingly pursuing in ITS work in Sub-Saharan Africa. But what is "inclusive growth", and how to achieve it?