In response to rising inflation, Guatemala has adjusted its interest rates eight times in the past two years, and is working carefully to co-ordinate its monetary and fiscal policies, explains the president of Banco de Guatemala. Writer John Rumsey.

The Guatemalan economy has big potential, particularly in fuel and food production. The country’s minister of finance talks about his fiscal reform programme and intent to create a sustainable tax base. Writer John Rumsey.

Douglas Holtz-Eakin tells how a McCain presidency would react to foreign bids for US firms. Writer Courtney Fingar.

Dan Tarullo explains the impact an Obama presidency would have on foreign investment. Writer Lara Williams.

Ghana’s economic rebirth could be under threat in 2008 as inflation soars and the county’s fiscal deficit rises. The country’s minister of finance and economic planning talks about how such challenges will be met. Writer Charlie Corbett.

In the final months of the Bush administration, there is to be no slacking off with the president pushing for trade agreements with the likes of Colombia, says the US commerce secretary. Writer Courtney Fingar.

Óscar Iván Zuluaga has overseen the end of an economic boom and the onset of a period of uncertainty since becoming Colombia’s finance minister in February 2007. The Banker interviewed him at the Finance Ministry in Bogota. Writer Jane Monahan.

The impact of the international slowdown on the Philippines economy has been more severe than expected, but revenue collections are on track and overseas remittances remain strong, says the Philippines finance secretary.

Despite the international credit crunch, banks in the Philippines grew lending by 24% in the first half of 2008 and asset quality continues to improve, says the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) governor.

Inflation may be well above target but Uganda’s central bank earns high marks from bankers for emphasising risk management. The Banker talks to David Okiopello, acting deputy governor of the Bank of Uganda.