Kuwait's banks are beginning the process of recovery following a tumultuous year. Writer Daniel Maalo

A swift government response to the international meltdown coupled with an economy based around strong fundamentals mean that Qatar's banking system is emerging from the financial crisis in better shape than most. Writer Stephen Timewell

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.

Luis Arce, Bolivia's finance minister

Since president Evo Morales took office in Bolivia in 2006, political stability has gone hand-in-hand with a period of robust economic growth. The country's finance minister shares with The Banker how Bolivia has managed to protect itself from the worst of the global economic crisis and spells out plans for future expansion. Writer Jane Monahan

For 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