On the sidelines of the IMF annual meetings, the permanent secretary in Saint Lucia's Finance Ministry, Isaac Anthony, discusses remedies to boost tourism to the Caribbean nation and plans to develop it as an offshore financial centre. Writers Jane Monahan and Brian Caplen

The Honduran finance minister tells The Banker that the country is moving towards a period of greater stability following an agreement with the IMF, the first with an international financial institution since elections in the country re-established civilian rule. Interview Brian Caplen and Jane Monahan

Fuelled by high interest rates, the strength of the Brazilian currency should be thwarting growth, but Brazil is not your typical emerging economy, reports Silvia Pavoni.

Guatemala's economy is maintaining its steady recovery, based on sound fiscal and monetary policies as well as limited exposure to global banking markets. Now the banks are consolidating their position and reaching out to the country's vast unbanked population. Writer Jane Monahan

Paraguay is little known as an international tourist destination despite having much to offer. However, the country's government is now taking steps to ensure that its attractions become known to more than just the most intrepid explorers.

The candy leaf stevia plant is just one of the abundant, relatively untapped natural resources coming to symbolise the huge potential of Paraguay that is slowly opening up to foreign investors. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Paraguay's potential as a trade route is badly hampered by its poor transport infrastructure. The government has promised to invest in improving this situation through a series of PPPs.