While the Western world has been struggling through the global financial crisis, Latin America has shown a remarkable resilience to the upheaval. Two countries in particular - Colombia and Peru - are showing particularly impressive growth, and look set to become important emerging economies. Writer Jason Mitchell
Carlos Heller, president, CreditcoopAs Argentina slides towards recession, the country's private banks are reining in their lending activity, meaning that publicly owned banks will have to take a more advanced role in safeguarding the country's economic wellbeing. Writer Jason Mitchell in Buenos Aires
Uruguay is bouncing back from the economic downturn caused by its over-reliance on Argentina. Tighter banking supervision will be key to maintaining the country’s growth. Jason Mitchell reports from Montevideo.Uruguayan authorities need to tighten banking supervision if the country is to regain its reputation as a sound financial centre.
Argentina’s recovery from its debt default is likely to be slow and investors’ lack of confidence over contractual law is not helping. Jason Mitchell reports from Buenos Aires.Argentina will probably reach an accord with its international creditors next year but is likely to suffer the consequences of its debt default for many years as investment flows stall, productivity falls behind competitor countries and interest rates remain high, which will hamper growth.
Chile may outshine its regional rivals with an economy that has matured since its democratisation in 1990, but there is still work to be done to raise the living standards of the general population, as Jason Mitchell reports.Chile, the most successful economy in South America, needs major structural reform if it is to enjoy the kind of economic growth seen in the countries of east Asia.