After a disastrous recession induced by the global economic downturn, Mexico’s gross domestic product recovered in 2011 to show a growth of 4.5%; it is expected to be a lower but still healthy 3.5% this year. Furthermore, as of March, inflation was 3.73%, close to the central bank’s 3% target. Meanwhile, public finances are in order, the country's financial sector is well supervised and its banks highly capitalised.
Receiving The Banker’s award for Central Bank Governor of the Year at Banxico’s headquarters in Mexico City, Agustín Carstens talks about the achievements of the bank and Mexico in general. He remains a strong advocate of the bigger role the country and other emerging markets should play within international financial institutions – which, Mr Carstens says, keep on choosing the path of “pre-arranged” results when it comes to leadership.