Republic of Congo

In this study, economic performance remained robust throughout the global downturn, and shows signs of further strengthening. In 2010, the external position improved significantly, as fiscal surpluses raised official foreign assets, and the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief significantly reduced external liabilities. Macroeconomic stability is well established, and the external position has improved. Private sector development has reduced oil dependence and is assuring sustained poverty-reducing growth. Efforts should be supported by policies to increase the private sector’s access to credit, and deepen financial intermediation to improve the financial performance of state-owned enterprises.