A review mission from the International Monetary Fund concluded the country's

economic performance in 2002 was "broadly favorable", but expected real

GDP growth would slow to 4.5 percent. The IMF's country head Robert Hagemann blamed

the drop on drought and floods, but said it was partly offset by higher than expected

garment exports. The government's cautious fiscal stance meant inflation remained

below 5 percent. The IMF said more foreign investment was needed to cut poverty,

and said the government would have to improve infrastructure and governance.