The Vietnamese government's campaign against inflation promises to rivet international attention on the country’s economic stability and development path in the run-up to the Asian Development Bank annual meeting in Hanoi in early May. 

The unrest across the Arab world and the subsequent rise in oil prices have impacted upon Kuwait, but the tiny Gulf country seems well insulated from such issues, thanks in part to its government-approved $100bn development plan.

Asian policy-makers have been trying to balance currency management with controlling inflation. Rising inflation and rising currencies suggest policy makers have failed to get the balance right.

Mohammad Al-Jasser, governor of Saudi Arabia’s central bank, discusses the huge potential of sukuk issuance in an interview with Stephen Timewell in Riyadh.

Nigeria's central bank governor Lamido Sanusi is The Banker's Central Bank Governor of the Year for 2011, both globally and for Africa. He explains his latest thinking on the reform agenda for Nigerian banking.

The past year has seen the performance of Kuwait's banks vary. All, however, are hoping that the government-approved $100bn development plan will help breathe new life into the sector.

As the financial crisis all but decimated venture debt in Europe, the possibility of its return is a thorny issue. While some countries are seeking alternative methods to fund start-up companies, others are preparing for business as usual.

The Association of South-east Asian Nations has made greater strides in achieving a cultural unity than it has with its capital markets. Only when this issue is tackled will this bloc of 10 countries realise its economic potential. 

Saudi Arabia's banks largely enjoyed a profitable 2010 and are looking to 2011 with renewed optimism. Though the lessons of the past few years mean that a cautious approach will be adhered to, the sector's future certainly looks bright.