Established in 2001 to evaluate IMF policies and activities. Operates independently from IMF Management and Board of Directors. Based at IMF headquarters in Washington, DC
GDP measures total monetary value of goods and services produced within country's borders. Used by policymakers and economists to assess economic health
Balance of trade equals exports minus imports. Exports are goods and services sold to foreign countries. Imports are goods and services purchased from foreign countries
MSMEs account for 90% of businesses globally, generating 54-60% of value added. MSMEs employ 40-96% of all business workers across 16 countries. MSMEs are only half as productive as large companies globally
Trade is voluntary exchange of goods or services between economic actors. Trade can be domestic (within same country) or international. Global trading market value is $28.5 trillion according to UN
Focuses on facts, figures, and economic laws without value judgments. Describes economic activities objectively, like road tax effects. Positive statements are measurable and verifiable based on data. Examples include government benefits reducing work incentive