: Nominal GDP (in millions of tala) 1,124 1,221 1,336 1,472 1,536 1,485 1623 Nominal GDP (in millions of U.S. dollars) 407 455 522 507 558 540 590 GDP per capita (U.S. dollars) 2,276 2,537 2,902 2,802 3,078 2,967 3,231 Sources: Data provided by the Samoan authorities and Fund staff estimates. 1/ Fiscal year beginning July 1. 2/ IMF, Information Notice System (calendar year). For 2009, latest as of June quarter. Tourism and Remittances (In percent of GDP) Sources: Samoan
. Beyond this immediate response, the authorities remain committed to promote inclusive growth through implementation of their structural reform agenda, while preserving financial-sector and external stability, as well as fiscal sustainability. Approved By Paul Cashin and Chad Steinberg The IMF team, comprising Kenichiro Kashiwase (Head), Seohyun Lee (both APD), Reshika Singh (RR-PIC), and Leni Hunter (Resident Representative, PIC) held discussions with the Samoan authorities by teleconferences during April 8–14, 2020. The Samoan authorities were led by
rates, eliminated credit ceilings, and moved to indirect monetary policy instruments. The success of these reforms was facilitated by Samoa’s political stability: the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP), in power for the past 25 years, was reelected following the March 2006 Parliamentary elections. Evolution of Samoa’s Budget Deficit, 1992/93-2005/06 (In percent of GDP) Source: Samoan authorities; and staff calculations. 3. The external position benefited from the rapid growth of remittances and tourism receipts. A large and growing population of
also made progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Political stability, close consultation with stakeholders, and extensive efforts to foster a broad consensus for reform were integral to the program’s steady implementation and success. The reforms, while developed and owned by the Samoan authorities, also reflected policies recommended by the Executive Board in the context of Article IV consultations. The authorities’ concerted efforts at expenditure restraint, in particular the scaling back the level of public funding for major construction projects
On behalf of our Samoan authorities, we welcome staff’s 2017 Article IV Consultation reports and thank the mission team for their productive engagement and sound policy advice. Our authorities agree in general with the staff assessment of the Samoan economy, risks facing the country and the policy package needed to sustain growth and build resilience against potential financial stability risks and natural disasters. In the longer term, our authorities recognize the need to undertake deeper reforms to reinforce resilience and secure Samoa’s growth path. As