Structural reforms can help unlock Brazil's growth potential

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Brazil's economic performance has continued to be favorable, with higher real GDP growth and lower inflation projected for 2006, according to the IMF's recent economic review. Brazil's external position has strengthened further: favorable global market conditions have boosted trade and current account surpluses, and positive financial market sentiment, ample global liquidity, and high domestic interest rates have boosted capital inflows.

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These favorable external conditions have allowed the central bank to build up international reserves and reduce external debt to its lowest ratio to exports in more than 25 years-in particular, through the early repayment of all outstanding obligations to the IMF and repayments to Paris Club creditors, as well as through buybacks of private external debt. And the authorities have been able to deepen Brazil's domestic financial markets and enhance their integration with global markets.

The IMF Executive Board welcomed Brazil's strong economic performance, the decline in unemployment, and its significant progress in alleviating poverty and inequality, including through active social policies. Near-term prospects are favorable, but the recent rise in global risk aversion toward emerging markets highlights the...