While political drama grabs the headlines, Philippine reform efforts are paying off in the form of economic gains, and intentions for further improvements remain intact. Karina Robinson reports from Manila.

Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gives Karina Robinson a glimpse of the tenacity that is now keeping her in power.
“She has a PhD in politics,” says a top official about President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines, when discussing whether the youthful 58-year-old with a 1985 doctorate in public finance is a technocrat or a politician.

Nick Freeman reports from Hanoi on Vietnam’s burgeoning banking sector and local strategies for survival as foreign enthusiasm grows.

The slow pace of legal and regulatory reform is a recurring frustration across all sectors of the economy but is only one piece of a bigger puzzle.

Afghanistan has many issues to resolve, such as security, a poor infrastructure and over-reliance on aid. But when you consider the recent strides that have been made, the country has reason for optimism. James Eedes reports from Kabul.

China has entered a new cycle of growth and is willing to integrate further into the world economy, contributing to the greater global good, according to Jin Renqing, the Chinese finance minister.
The politician was speaking at a presentation to mark his acceptance of The Banker’s Finance Minister of the Year, Asia award in London early last month. Mr Jin outlined the latest macroeconomic developments in his home nation and revealed Chinese efforts to maintain a stable economic outlook.

Efforts by Indian banks to sort out non-performing assets and laws to protect creditors’ rights have made the lending climate more favourable, reports Kala Rao.

Taiwan’s push to consolidate its banking sector received a boost recently but whether its efforts will pay off is uncertain. Dennis Engbath reports from Taipei.

The Democratic Progressive Party’s reform plans continue to be blocked by the opposition-controlled legislature. By Dennis Engbarth in Taipei.

Ho Mei-yueh, Taiwan’s minister of economic affairs talks to Dennis Engbarth about relations with China, financial reform and sustainable development measures.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs is responsible for policy implementation in a wide range of fields, from industrial development, energy and water conservancy to commerce and investment policy. After serving as vice-chairwoman for the Council for Economic Planning and Development during the first term of President Chen Shui-bian’s government, Ho Mei-yueh, 54, returned to the ministry as minister in May 2004.