02340cas a2200241 a 4500 AALejournalIMF020917 230101c9999 xx r poo 0 0eng d 5.00 USD 9781513542409 1934-7685 BD-DhAAL BD-DhAAL International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept. Samoa : Request for Disbursement Under the Rapid Credit Facility-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Samoa. Washington, D.C. : International Monetary Fund, 2020. 1 online resource (45 pages) IMF Staff Country Reports <strong>Off-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required <strong>On-Campus Access:</strong> No User ID or Password Required Electronic access restricted to authorized BRAC University faculty, staff and students This paper discusses Samoa's Request for Disbursement Under the Rapid Credit Facility. Samoa has shown resilience to multiple past economic shocks, underpinned by the authorities' strong commitment to support the economy, and financial assistance provided by the international community. The global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has exacerbated the impact of the measles outbreak of late-2019 on Samoa's economy. The border closure, combined with a sudden stop of tourist arrivals and decline in remittances, has led to a precipitous fall in two vital sources of foreign earnings and resulted in an urgent balance of payments need. Beyond the immediate response, the authorities will continue to implement structural reforms, with policies appropriately balanced between safeguarding debt sustainability and promoting economic growth. They also need to continue their efforts to enhance spending efficiency, strengthen social protection programs and safety nets, further improve tax administration, strengthen public financial management, and safeguard financial stability. Addressing vulnerability to climate change remains a key medium-term challenge to create a fiscal buffer. Mode of access: Internet IMF Staff Country Reports; Country Report ; No. 2020/138 Full text available on IMF http://elibrary.imf.org/view/journals/002/2020/138/002.2020.issue-138-en.xml IMF e-Library