All Countries and All Sectors

Facing its toughest test since the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis, Indonesia's banking sector appears to be well positioned to weather the global financial storm. While lending and liquidity are being squeezed in line with the global trend, the country's leading banks appear to be in good shape, less exposed to the pitfalls that have plagued the banking sectors in the US and Europe.

While the majority of industries are struggling to cope with the effects of the ongoing global economic downturn, the Philippines business process outsourcing (BPO) sector is predicting strong 20-30% growth in 2009. Although this is far short of the near-50% growth the industry sustained throughout 2004-07, it will certainly play a major role in keeping the Filipino economy afloat during what is proving to be a challenging year.

Over the years, Qatar has worked hard to develop an attractive and diverse investment location. Now it is focusing on the environment in order to sustain the economy and the future of the country.

Turkey's banks seem to be riding out the global financial crisis having emerged from a more localised downturn eight years ago leaner and better equipped to deal with the present worldwide recession.

Although life is tough for Gulf contractors during these times of global economic hardship, they can take solace from Abu Dhabi's strong economic fundamentals, which ensure the continuation of ongoing projects as well as a raft of state-backed developments.

Nigeria's mobile telecommunications market has grown rapidly in recent years, filling a gap left by the small number of landlines. The government has announced it expects to see reductions in tariffs in the near future, prompting companies to consider cost-saving strategies.