All Countries and All Sectors

Despite some polling hiccups and minor unrest, the April 9th parliamentary elections were staged peacefully, with early results boding well for incumbent president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). He is expected to be comfortably re-elected in the July 7th presidential poll. Considered pro-business, with a strong track record when it comes to the economic advancement of the country, the results point towards the country enjoying political and economic stability for years ahead. The news is being greeted with optimism by the international investment community.

Malaysia's banking sector is about to undergo one of the biggest shake ups in its history, with the government unveiling plans to allow greater overseas participation in the financial services industry by raising foreign ownership ceilings in some types of banks and granting new licences to international lenders.

Qatar's financial sector appears to be well placed to ride out the global economic downturn, thanks to a combination of factors, including the sound state of the country's economy, prompt intervention by the state to support local banks and solid levels of liquidity.

Though international oil and gas prices have fallen steeply resulting in the economies of many countries in the Middle East facing negative growth and large-scale cut backs in energy projects, Qatar stands out as an exception.

The upward pressure on cement prices has attracted attention this month, as the Nigerian government struggles to keep prices low enough to support the development of the construction industry.

Although the country's small industrial base is currently limited in size and range of activities, it has plenty of scope to expand and assume a greater role in the economy.