2010年-IMF国际货币组织全球_Guidance_Note_on_the_Fund’s_Transparency_Policy_60页_1mb

Summary of the IMF Transparency Policy Guidance Note (March 12, 2010)

I. Introduction

This document outlines the guidance for implementing the IMF's Transparency Policy, which was revised and approved by the Executive Board on December 17, 2009, effective March 17, 2010. It focuses on the publication of country documents and policy documents prepared for Board consideration. The core principle of the policy is that the IMF will strive to disclose documents and information on a timely basis unless strong and specific reasons argue against such disclosure, while respecting the voluntary nature of publication.

The guidance includes an information sheet for country authorities (Appendix I), timelines for publication (Appendix II), and detailed appendices on various aspects of the policy, including modifications, language requirements, and special procedures.

II. Guidelines for Country Documents

A. Publication Regime

• The publication policy for country documents is generally "voluntary but presumed," meaning the Fund encourages publication unless the member objects.
• Exception: For certain documents related to Fund resources (e.g., UFR, PSI, GRA, PRGT, HIPC Trust), the presumption of publication is stronger, and the Managing Director will not recommend approval unless the member explicitly consents to publication.
• Some documents, such as those circulated for information only, may be published immediately after circulation to the Executive Board (e.g., I-PRSPs, PRSPs, ROSCs, AFSSRs).

B. Consent to Publication

• Consent is typically obtained on a "non-objection" basis, meaning documents are published unless the member objects.
• Members may opt out of the non-objection system by requiring explicit consent for publication.
• Any modification requests must be submitted no later than two days before the relevant Board meeting or date of a LOT decision.
• A general disclaimer should be added to all published documents to account for possible deletions or modifications.

C. Drafting Guidelines

• Staff reports are not negotiated with country authorities and should not be shared in draft form with the authorities or Executive Directors.
• Exceptions to the no-draft rule include: mission concluding statements, press statements, selected issues papers, ROSC modules, FSAP aide mémoires, and FTNs.
• Staff should ensure that all major issues in the report have been discussed with the authorities to avoid surprises.
• Reports should be candid and comprehensive, accurately representing the views of the authorities and third parties, and avoiding politically sensitive language.
• Information provided by members on the understanding of confidentiality should not be included in published documents unless otherwise clarified.

D. Communicating with Authorities on Publication

• Staff should discuss publication with country authorities well in advance of Board meetings to ensure clarity and timely release.
• The Fund’s transparency policy should be explained, including the publication regime and modification policy.
• Staff should seek to understand the authorities’ publication intentions, especially for UFR/PSI-related documents.
• Modification requests should be submitted early to meet deadlines and facilitate quick publication.
• The authoring department must remind Executive Directors about the non-objection procedure and communicate the publication date.

E. Preparing PINs, Chairman's Statements, and Factual Statements

• PINs (Public Information Notices) and Chairman's Statements are published following certain Board meetings, such as Article IV consultations, PPM, EPA, and EPE discussions.
• If the authorities do not consent to the publication of a PIN or Chairman's Statement, a factual statement is issued instead.
• The authoring department is responsible for preparing the bundle of documents for publication, including incorporating approved modifications, removing internal references, and coordinating with EXR.

F. Steps after Board Consideration

• Country staff reports are published in a bundle, including related supplements, staff statements, and Board assessments (e.g., PINs or press releases).
• The authoring department must ensure the bundle is ready for publication, including finalizing the electronic file and informing EXR of any embargo times.
• Notifications are sent to relevant Executive Directors once the bundle is ready, and again after publication.

III. Guidelines for Policy Documents

A. Publication Regime

• Most policy documents are presumed to be published unless the member objects.
• This presumption also applies to Board documents related to the Fund's income, financing, or budget, excluding those involving market-sensitive information.
• Staff should consider the overarching transparency principle when making publication decisions.

B. Papers for which Publication is Subject to Board Approval

• The Board decides on the publication of policy papers and related PINs based on staff recommendations.
• If no Executive Director objects, the Board is understood to consent to publication.
• In the event of an objection, the Board can decide on publication with a simple majority vote.

C. Papers for which Publication is not Subject to Board Approval

• Some policy documents are not subject to Board approval for publication, such as those related to internal or administrative matters.
• These documents are typically not published unless there is a specific reason to do so.

IV. Policy on Modifications

• Modifications to country documents (e.g., FSSAs, ROSCs) are subject to the Fund's transparency policy.
• Modifications to non-Board documents are handled under the Guidelines for dissemination of TA information.
• A general disclaimer is added to all published documents to account for modifications.
• The deadline for corrections and deletions has been shortened, and new permissible corrections have been introduced.

Key Acronyms and Definitions

• PIN: Public Information Notice
• FSSA: Financial System Stability Assessment
• ROSC: Report on Observance of Standards and Codes
• FSAP: Financial Sector Assessment Program
• UFR: Use of Fund Resources
• PSI: Policy Support Instrument
• LOT: Lapse-of-Time
• SEC: Secretary's Department
• EXR: External Relations Department
• ED: Executive Director
• MEFP: Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies
• LOI: Letter of Intent
• TA: Technical Assistance
• DAR: Detailed Assessment Report
• FTN: FSAP Technical Note
• OFC: Offshore Financial Centers
• PRGT: Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust
• HIPC: Heavily Indebted Poor Countries

Core Content and Main Points

• The IMF's transparency policy emphasizes timely disclosure of documents unless there are strong reasons against it.
• "Voluntary but presumed" publication applies to most country documents, with stronger presumptions for those related to Fund resources and PSIs.
• The non-objection procedure is the standard method for obtaining consent, with exceptions for members who opt out.
• Drafting guidelines prohibit sharing of draft reports with authorities and require staff to maintain independence and accuracy.
• Communication with authorities is essential to ensure transparency and timely publication.
• PINs, Chairman's Statements, and Factual Statements are key publications, with factual statements used when authorities do not consent.
• Modifications to documents must be submitted early, and a disclaimer is added to all published documents.
• Special procedures apply to certain documents like FSAP-related reports, TA documents, and UFR/PSI-related materials.

Conclusion

The guidance note ensures that the IMF maintains a consistent and transparent approach to the publication of documents related to member countries and policy matters. It provides detailed procedures for preparing, submitting, and publishing country and policy documents, while also addressing the handling of modifications and the importance of maintaining the Fund's independence and objectivity in its assessments.