Since 2003 Argentina started a process of strong growth that has averaged nearly 9% in the last 5 years. For 2008, growth is expected at around 5%.

Almost two decades of continuous economic growth, a low unemployment rate and a strong banking system - the result of a series of structural and policy reforms - have left Australia well placed in the face of a global economic downturn.

Brazil has the tenth-largest economy in the world.  It is a diversified middle income economy, but with wide variations in development levels.

Canada’s major industries are automobile manufacturing, pulp and paper, iron and steel work, machinery and equipment manufacturing, mining, extraction of fossil fuels, forestry and agriculture.

China is the world's third-largest economy. Its economy grew by 9% in 2008. Its trade surplus in 2008 was $295 billion. China holds the world's largest stock of foreign exchange reserves, at over $1.9 trillion.

The Czech Republic is one of the most stable and prosperous of the post-communist states. Economic growth has been driven, in particular, by high levels of foreign direct investment, domestic consumer spending, and Czech exports.

Egypt has a stable economy in the Middle East and North Africa enjoying continuous growth, averaging 4–5% in the past 25 years. Main exports include natural gas, cotton textiles, medical and petrochemical products, cement, steel and ceramics.

The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is an economic development program of the African Union. NEPAD was adopted at the 37th session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in July 2001 in Lusaka, Zambia.

France’s major industries are aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, industrial machinery, food and drink and tourism.

Germany is the world’s largest exporter and the second largest importer. It is also the UK’s second largest export market worldwide, after the US.

Economic reforms have placed India firmly on the path of sustained economic growth, needed to alleviate poverty and allow India to claim its place as a global economic power.

Economic growth has been above 5% in the past five years. Real GDP grew by 6.3% in 2007, the fastest rate since the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98.

Italy’s economic strength is in the processing and manufacturing of goods, primarily in small and medium sized family-owned firms. Major industries include precision machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Following fiscal and monetary stimuli in the 1990s, Japan’s economy has experienced an expansion lasting as long as the longest previous expansion, which ended in 1970.

Mexico's economy is the world’s thirteenth largest: about the same size as South Korea's and Russia's. It is a free market economy, with a mix of services, industry and agriculture.

The Netherlands' prosperous and open economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub.

From 1999 to 2008, the economy benefited from strong growth, averaging about 7% per annum. This growth was accompanied by budget surpluses (4% in 2008), allowing the Russian government to accumulate reserves of almost $600bn.

Saudi Arabia has applied to join the World Trade Organisation and is in the process of negotiating the terms of its entrance. Saudi Arabia has the largest proven oil reserves in the world and is by a long way the largest exporter of oil.

South Africa is a middle-income, emerging market with an abundant supply of natural resources and a stock exchange that is 17th largest in the world.

The Republic of Korea was ranked the 13th largest economy in the world in terms of GDP in 2006. The Republic of Korea's main industries are steel, shipbuilding, automotive, electronics and machinery.

Spain has the eighth largest economy in the world. Spain's per capita income is higher than the European average. It is a very open economy, with one of the lowest public debt/GDP ratios amongst advanced economies.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's 2nd largest economy, with exports playing a key role in its growth. While still a major player in rice and other commodities, it has diversified into manufacturing and other industries. It is currently Chair of ASEAN.

Turkey's major industries are automotive, textiles, iron and steel, clothing and electrical machinery. Its government has maintained tight fiscal policies and pushed through structural reforms.

The UK has the fifth largest economy in the world and is a leading global trading nation. London is the world's leading financial services centre on a number of key performance indicators.

The United States of America is the leading industrial power in the world. It has a highly diversified and technologically advanced economy.