Azerbaijan's finance minister tells The Banker about the country's strategy to diversify its economy away from a dependence on oil exports and addresses international questions about the government's fiscal transparency. Writer Michelle Price
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
CEE infrastructure generates international teamwork
July 6, 2010With help from multilateral institutions, transport infrastructure finance deals in the new and aspiring EU members are still being completed, but on much more conservative terms. Writer Philip Alexander
Russia's second-tier investment banks have ambitious plans
May 28, 2010As Russian capital markets activity revives, second-tier investment banking groups have ambitious plans to share a larger slice of the business. But competition is tough. Writer Philip Alexander
Trying to turn the taps back on
May 5, 2010Croatia entered the financial crisis with its banking sector in good shape, but rising unemployment and fiscal pressures are dampening new lending activity. Writer Nick Saywell
New laws and new loans needed
May 5, 2010There is considerable investor interest in the debt collection business in Russia, but achieving growth is not straightforward, even though the industry is still young. Writer Philip Alexander
Lean and liquid
May 5, 2010The Russian consumer lending boom came to an abrupt end in late 2008, but convergence between consumer finance and traditional retail banking is providing the tools for sustainable growth. Writer Philip Alexander
Finance minister Jacek Rostowski determined to reduce deficit
March 31, 2010Poland has emerged as the most resilient economy in the EU during the global slowdown. However, The Banker's European Finance Minister of the Year is determined to stay ahead of the pack, and is now prioritising bringing down the country's budget deficit. Writer Philip Alexander
Vladimir Dmitriev
March 31, 2010State-owned development bank Vnesheconombank became a vital tool for the Russian government to combat the financial crisis, not only at home but also in neighbouring countries. The bank's chairman explains how it is exiting the assistance phase and preparing a long-term role in the economy. Writer Philip Alexander
Slovenia looks before it leaps
March 31, 2010Slovenia tracked the market's reaction to Greece's 10-year bond release in early March before moving quickly into action with its second bond issue of the year. Writer Edward Russell-Walling
Cautious optimism prevails in Europe's youngest nation
March 3, 2010A diversified economy of micro-businesses has shielded Kosovo from the worst effects of the financial crisis, but its unresolved national status and uncertain legal environment continue to pose challenges. Writer Nick Saywell