Despite talk of China allowing foreign companies to list on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, there has been little action. HSBC and others are getting frustrated by the wait, reports Michael Imeson.

Moves to make the renminbi freely convertible, combined with the growth of rival financial centres on the Chinese mainland such as Shanghai, are chipping away at Hong Kong’s importance to international investors. Karina Robinson reports.

The dire state of Nigeria’s transport and power sectors are hindering the country’s growth. President Yar’Adua has made tackling the problem a priority for his administration but the sheer size of the task makes international investment crucial. By John McCarthy.

Over the past decade, the word ‘potential’ has become synonymous with Nigeria, as the resource-rich nation’s progress has been stymied by political and economic instability. Much progress has been made on both fronts, and under new president Umaru Yar’Adua Nigeria looks set to deliver on its promise. Charlie Corbett reports.

China has been driving global growth but now faces mounting domestic problems and a deteriorating global economy. Can China’s economic miracle stay the course? Geraldine Lambe reports.

China Construction Bank is the third largest bank in China and the 14th largest in the world. Stephen Timewell talks to chairman Guo Shuqing about his overseas ambitions and strategy.

BMI assesses the ramifications if China’s growth slows, and Deutsche Bank identifies a funding gap in microfinance.

Xiao Gang, chairman of Bank of China, talks to Stephen Timewell about the bank’s domestic and international strategy for the coming year.

Ruth Emery assesses the likelihood of a merger between the Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Shanghai stock exchanges.

Foreign banks have taken advantage of recent deregulation and are setting up locally incorporated subsidiaries. But niggling restrictions remain, writes Michael Imeson.