Credit-enhanced project bonds have taken time to reach the market, but a debut UK deal arranged by HSBC could set a useful precedent for financing offshore power transmission infrastructure.

It has proven to be a slow and laborious process getting the first credit-enhanced project bonds structured in Europe, but the first deals are finally expected in 2013.

Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 football World Cup is a testimony to the country's global ambitions. Development projects are already under way to fulfil stadia, hotel capacity and infrastructure requirements, giving a further boost to the country's already burgeoning economy.

The US is in trouble. Its infrastructure is in dire need of repair but the heavily indebted country cannot afford to pay for it. All the more surprising then that the overtures of private – and in many cases foreign – capital are being met with resistance.

Turkey is facing the task of doubling its installed power-generating capacity in the next decade, while also speeding up reforms in the energy sector to ensure planned projects can gain access to finance. Writer David O'Byrne

With help from multilateral institutions, transport infrastructure finance deals in the new and aspiring EU members are still being completed, but on much more conservative terms. Writer Philip Alexander

Hindered by years of armed conflict and governmental infighting, Colombia has launched a long-awaited infrastructure development programme, set to pump $24bn into its ailing transport network and, in turn, stimulate healthy competition among its banks as they bid to provide funding. Writer John Rumsey