Latvia has been the worst-hit of the three Baltic states following the global credit squeeze and economic slowdown. Bank of Latvia governor Ilmars Rimsevics tells Lara Williams how policy makers are responding to the challenges.

Love it or hate it, the banking world can no longer afford to ignore or resist the latest social networking phenomenon that is sweeping the world.

When food group Premier was weighed down by debt after adding new brands to its portfolio, Goldman Sachs' last-minute, three-pronged restructuring plan saved the day.

Left to right: Andrew Wilkinson, Dominic Lee and Rob Pulford

Multilateral cross-border solutions to create international policy co-ordination are essential for the effective protection of the global financial system

Syria's financial services sector reforms of 2004 have had a beneficial effect on the economy, as the country's finance minister explains. Writer Jules Stewart

Uganda's government is pinning its hopes on an expansion in the agriculture sector, a boost in exports to its neighbours and a take-off in infrastructure projects as it attempts to avoid the worst effects of the global downturn, says the country's finance minister. Writer Peter Guest

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