Omar Zakhilwal, Afghanistan's minister of financeAfghanistan's minister of finance tells The Banker how the government is addressing its significant security and infrastructure challenges and calls for Afghanistan to be given more control over how international aid money is spent within its territory. Writer Michelle Price
Surendra Pandey, Nepal's finance ministerDespite ongoing political unrest, Nepal's finance minister says his focus is fixed firmly on economic development and rebuilding the country's infrastructure. Writer Michelle Price
Scaling up: Peru's fishing industry is a sector that is drawing in foreign investmentPolitical and economic turbulence has long afflicted Peru's reputation, but having finally found a way of using its natural resources to the country's best advantage, the scale of its rising prosperity has international investors excited. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Fuelling prosperity: the Tema oil refinery near Ghana's capital, AccraGhana's entry into the club of African oil producers has placed its economy in the spotlight, with revenues from its up-and-coming oil industry expected to address the country's fiscal deficit. Writer Daniel Maalo
Richard C Koo, Nomura Research Institute's chief economistFor the first time in its modern economic history, Japan is being hotly pursued by China, which recently became the world's second-largest economy. Nomura Research Institute's chief economist reveals what Japan needs to learn if it is to maintain its lofty position in the new global economic order.
Despite a sense of optimism at the Asian Development Bank's 43rd annual meeting last month, Asia-watchers warn that there may still be trouble ahead due to a disruptive influx of foreign capital. Writer Michelle Price
KfW: one of a number of development banks using capital marketsFunding from capital markets has released development banks from the constraints of national economies' budgets to invest in a plethora of projects ranging from infrastructure, exports, business start-ups and the social development and growth of transition economies. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Japanese development bank, the Japan Bank for International Co-operation, is tasked with integrating broader Asian demands into its operations. Environmental finance and capital markets support are two areas of increasing prominence for the bank. Writer Michelle Price
Back on form: South Korea's economy was on the brink of disaster in January 2009, but is now one of the fastest recovering markets in AsiaDespite falling into a major economic trough in the first quarter of 2009, the majority of South Korea's banks are poised for a stable recovery in 2010. But the unwinding of stimulus packages worldwide and the risk of a possible double-dip global recession in the West continue to threaten the Korean banking sector. Writer Mee Hyoe Koo
The global financial system needs better supervision, but this should not come at the expense of local regulatory expertise and participation in decisions that affect individual countries.
Foreign policy, fiscal pressures, financial reforms and far-reaching litigation are all provoking a flow of cases that threaten to overburden international banks doing business in the US. But the banks are fighting back. Philip Alexander reports.
Missing out: the Philippine Stock Exchange has lost major domestic listings to the Singapore ExchangeA move to fully integrate ASEAN capital markets by 2015 is proving a powerful driving force for pan-ASEAN economic integration. Writer Michelle Price
Bidding up: last month Thanachart Bank, 49% owned by Canada's Bank of Nova Scotia, saw off HSBC to win control of Siam City Bank in a government auctionOn going financial reform will not be held back by Thailand's political troubles, say Thailand's bankers. Neither portfolio nor direct investment inflows have been impacted, and the country's government is pressing on with two masterplans for the financial sector and capital markets. Writer Brian Caplen
Central bank governor of Sri Lanka, Ajith Nivard CabraalHaving emerged from years of civil war, Sri Lanka is in a position to address its long-term economic development and infrastructural regeneration. The country's central bank governor discusses his monetary policy for 2010 and explains how it will work alongside the government's reform plans. Writer Michelle Price
Ecuador's finance minister, Maria Elsa ViteriEcuador's private banks are up in arms about the effects of government intervention on their profits. The country's finance minister, however, rejects such accusations, saying that the relationship between bank and customer was in need of a rebalancing. Writer Rodrigo Amaral in Madrid
Niels ThygesenThe University of Copenhagen's professor of international economics evaluates stimulus policies and explains why it is time to start implementing exit strategies from them, despite the doubts that remain over the recovery.
Mind the gap: president Viktor Yanukovich (left) and prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko (right) are reluctant to share powerThere are no guarantees that a new president will usher in greater economic and political stability in Ukraine, which makes further consolidation likely in the country's under-pressure banking sector. Writer Philip Alexander
Keynote speaker: French president Nicolas Sarkozy talked of the 'crisis of globalisation' at DavosWhile debt and regulation loomed over this year's World Economic Forum, global representatives from the banking sector were also encouraged by the emerging shape of the post-crisis world. Writer Brian Caplen
Before the storm: former Argentine central bank governor Martin Redrado (left) and president Cristina Kirchner
The 'soap opera' surrounding the protracted dismissal of the Argentine central bank governor by president Cristina Kirchner has damaged the country's international image and highlighted major weaknesses within its institutions. Writer Jason Mitchell
President elect: Sebastián Piñera swept to power in Chile in JanuaryChile's new right-wing government has promised to sustain the country's growth trajectory with a series of reforms, aimed at diversifying its economy, which is highly dependent on the copper industry, and improving conditions for SMEs. Writer Jason Mitchell
Build up: reinforcement of the Thai financial sector is planned to pave the way for increased international tradingUnfazed by continued political and economic turmoil, Thailand is embarking on major deregulation to strengthen its banking and finance sector and, in the grander scheme, to diversify the country's economic base. Writer Michelle Price
Amman: Jordan's capital is home to many of the country's family-run banksConservative policies and tight banking regulations have given Jordan the stability it needs to foster business confidence. But it remains to be seen how its banking sector will adapt to the leaner, fitter economy. Writer Stephen Timewell
The US and European governments have so far managed to maintain investor appetite for greatly increased issuance of public debt. But decisive action will be needed to avoid paying a high price in the near future. Writer Philip Alexander
Getting the message: the formation of NAMA has led to protests in Ireland
The Irish government has opted for a 'bad bank' to save the nation's finances by buying up bad loans. With some experts unconvinced this was the best solution, only time will tell if the gamble pays off. Writer Philippa Maister
Greg Fleming, Future president of investment management at Morgan Stanley
While financial markets are improving across the globe, economic power is shifting as the BRIC countries grow in both size and influence.
Ajay Chhibber, assistant secretary-general of the UN
Only when natural disasters are properly managed and prepared for can vulnerable countries escape the cycle of crisis and recovery that hinders their development.
Banks which have received state aid are desperate to give it back because of the constraints under which it places them. Governments, too, want out of the banking system – but both camps face a host of potential pitfalls before this mutually desired exit strategy can be executed. writer Geraldine Lambe
China has defied expectations by successfully establishing a number of state-owned, internationally competitive firms, but the country must increase its outward foreign direct investment if it is to establish a firmer footing in the global marketplace.
Trust and confidence in the Anglo-Saxon model of regulation have evaporated so much as a result of the financial crisis that Asian policy-makers are now beginning to rethink key issues about regulation from first principles.
Whatever happens at the UN meetings in Copenhagen this December, the carbon markets will have to re-examine the structures put in place by the Kyoto Protocol, not least the Clean Development Mechanism. But is it beyond repair or just in need of a tune-up? Writer Jim Kharouf
Margarito Teves, secretary of the Department of Finance of the PhilippinesThe Philippines' finance minister says that the archipelago's economy has remained relatively resilient during the downturn compared with its export-dependent neighbours. But the budget deficit remains an ongoing problem. Writer Michelle Price
Santiago: centre of one of the most dynamic economies in South AmericaWith one of the most liberalised economies in the world, prudent policies, and trading links with the Far East, Chile is poised to emerge from the downturn as a Latin American front-runner. Writer Jason Mitchell
Adib Mayaleh, governor of Central Bank of SyriaSyria's banking sector has made great strides in the past two decades, but is still dominated by small regional banks. Now the country's government is looking to major global names to take its economy forward. Writer Brian Caplen
The recent collapse in the price of oil accentuated the critical need for Angola to diversify its oil-dependent economy. Despite the fall in growth, however, the country has weathered the storm and must now focus on public sector reform. Writer Charlie Corbett
Bent Flyvbjerg, Professor and Academic director, Oxford UniversityEvidence suggests that infrastructural stimulus initiatives often detract from the economy in the long term.
Good neighbours: Colombian president Alvaro Uribe (left) shakes hands with Peruvian president Alan GarciaWhile the Western world has been struggling through the global financial crisis, Latin America has shown a remarkable resilience to the upheaval. Two countries in particular - Colombia and Peru - are showing particularly impressive growth, and look set to become important emerging economies. Writer Jason Mitchell
Hands-on leadership: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has come under criticism for his involvement in the country's banking sectorA casual glance at Venezuela's banking sector would suggest that it is in good health. However, intervention from president Hugo Chavez's government is threatening the stability of the country's financial environment. Writer Brian Caplen
Luis Carranza, Peru's finance ministerPeru's finance minister talks about his commitment to a market-led economy and discusses the policies which he believes will transform the country into a major player on the world stage. Writer Jason Mitchell
Rupiah Banda, the new president of ZambiaRupiah Banda, the new president of Zambia talks about his vision for transforming the southern African state's economy in the light of a severe economic downturn. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cape Town
Ralph Gonsalves, St Vincent and Grenadines prime ministerThe currency union of the Organisation of East Caribbean States is eyeing additional members and full economic union status. The prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines ponders the future of the OECS and its impact on the wider Caricom group of countries. Writer Brian Caplen
Bharrat Jagdeo, Guyana's presidentGuyana's president laments the lack of consideration for smaller countries among the G-20 nations, and calls for a change in the relationship between international financial institutions and countries such as his. Writer Brian Caplen
Natural resource: Guyana's rich forests may be fruitful in boosting the country's economyThe Guyanese government is looking to the small South American country's vast, untouched rainforests as a means of promoting eco-friendly development. Writer Brian Caplen
Major facelift: the Soccer City stadium near Soweto in Johannesburg will be the venue for the final of the 2010 FIFA World CupSouth Africa's banking sector has so far proved resilient to the country's worst recession in 17 years, but faced with soaring unemployment and high levels of consumer debt, the biggest challenges lie ahead. Writer Charlie Corbett in Johannesburg and Cape Town
Han Seung-soo, South Korean prime minister
In a speech at the IIF Spring Membership Meeting in Beijing in June, South Korean prime minister Han Seung-soo explained how the lessons learned from the Asian crisis of 1997 has helped his country come through the current recession in better shape than most.
Close adherence to international regulatory standards has protected Madrid's financial system from embroilment in the subprime market that has so badly harmed rival centres New York, London and Paris. Yet Spain's flailing economy must be tended to if Madrid is to rise as a dynamic alternative. Writer Rodrigo Amaral
Tonio Fenech, minister of finance, economy and investment of Malta
Malta has benefited from adopting the euro and its economy is doing better than many others in the eurozone, says its minister of finance, economy and investment, Tonio Fenech. Writer Michael Imeson
Jacob Zuma, South Africa's new president
Some of the world's most powerful leaders and investors met in Cape Town last month for the World Economic Forum. They discussed the impact of the global downturn on Africa and how the continent could use it as an opportunity to build a platform for growth. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cape Town
Standing strong: Kuwait's financial system is bearing the brunt of the credit crunch well, although political tensions are clouding the country's future prospects
Tension between Kuwait's ruling government and elected parliament are hampering policy formation and intensifying uncertainty as the economy gets back on its feet. Will the new parliament elected last month change the situation? Writer Stephen Timewell
Kuwaiti banks are generally performing well, but their long-term prospects are largely dependent on the May elections bringing political stability to the country. Writer Stephen Timewell
Press conference on co-operation between the Latin American development banks (l to r): Enrique Garcia, CAF president; Luis Alberto Moreno, IDB president; Jyrki Koskelo, IFC vice-president for Europe, central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and global financial markets; and Pamela Cox, World Bank vice-president for Latin America and the Caribbean
The slump in capital markets activity and a decline in cash flow has pushed Latin America's multilateral development banks to prominence as the biggest and most robust lenders in some of the region's principal credit markets. Writer Jane Monahan in Washington, DC
The tenets of capitalism are being called into question as the banking sector scrambles through unchartered territory. Charlie Corbett reports.
The full force of the global recession has hit Turkey with falls in exports leading to job cuts. Bankers say an IMF deal would help but the government is reluctant. Writer Metin Demirsar
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prime minister of Turkey
Jin-Hei Park, managing director, head of institutional clients group at Citibank Korea
South Korea has enjoyed miraculous economic growth for the past four decades, setting it apart from many of its Asian peers. But as an engine of export and an overleveraged economy, it is now highly exposed to the global financial crisis. Writer Michelle Price
Korn Chatikavanij, Thailand's minister of finance
Thailand is suffering tumbling export receipts and a decline in business confidence and investment. Its recently installed minister of finance discusses how he plans to get the country through the crisis. Writer Simon Montlake
As the search goes on for culprits and remedies in the global financial crisis, not enough attention has focused on the role played by governments in explicitly or implicitly guaranteeing the banking system.
Carl Heinz Daube, managing director, German Finance Agency
Leading countries are poised to issue massive amounts of debt in an attempt to revive their flagging economies. But could this backfire if investors lose confidence, leading to worldwide panic? Joanne Hart investigates.
Henri Guillemin, Crédit Agricole
Extensive reform means Egypt’s banks are better placed to face global economic turmoil than ever before, but the fragile, export-driven economy will be hit hard and the bank sector is not immune to the consequences. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cairo.
The former UK prime minister turned international envoy talks about his latest initiatives for improving African governance. Interview by Peter Guest.
Philippe Mills, CEO of Agence France Trésor
Loved and loathed in equal measure, the euro reaches its 10th anniversary under greater scrutiny than at any point in its history, as the credit crisis tests member countries’ ability to address their individual problems within EMU. Writer Geraldine Lambe.
The Stability and Growth Pact remains the cornerstone of the EU’s budgetary framework.
Lowered oil prices and political fear have rocked the balance of Russia’s economy, but there is still some cause for optimism.
If the countries of the world work together, the challenges posed by the credit crisis can be overcome.
