There is much for other countries to learn from Spain’s spectacular, FDI-fuelled economic rise over the past few decades. As Silvia Pavoni reports, this Iberian country aims to continue to climb the international competitiveness rankings.

France’s new prime minister has announced sweeping reforms aimed at making the country an easier place to do business. Peter Prowse reports.

With NATO, and potentially EU, membership looming, Macedonia is pressing ahead with reforms and enjoying a buoyant economy. Jules Stewart reports.

Bordering Hungary, Romania and Croatia, as well as lying on the Danube River, the Serbian region of Vojvodina is positioning itself as a highly skilled platform for serving Europe as well as Russia. Jules Stewart reports.

The UAE’s remarkable rollercoaster ride towards becoming a global business hub continues to produce record-breaking highs, but investors should also be prepared for some worrying dips, write Mark Ford and Nadine Marroushi.

Jude Amos offers an overview of tax incentives for export processing zones in Africa.

Côte d’Ivoire is taking advantage of a more politically stable environment to put into action its ambitious plans for development and to create a broader appeal to investors. Wendy Atkins reports.

Despite being the second largest city in the world, Mexico City has struggled to compete with the Asian behemoths when it comes to FDI. However, both the local and national governments are determined to attract business befitting a city with a population of 20 million inhabitants. Jason Mitchell reports.

As the second largest city in the world by population, and eighth largest in economic terms, Mexico City justifiably sees itself as a major player on the world stage. As minister of finance Mario Delgado Carrillo tells Jason Mitchell, the rest of the world is coming round to that way of thinking.

Marcelo Ebrard Casaubón, mayor of Mexico City, talks to Jason Mitchell about the city’s potential for growth, its education and transportation reform plans, and his ‘unique’ relationship with the federal government.

The infrastructure pressures and other difficulties faced by megacities such as Mexico’s capital are precisely where Siemens finds its best opportunities.

Thamrong Mahajchariyawong, deputy secretary general, Board of Investment of Thailand, speaks to fDi about the country’s recent political upheaval.

Liberal laws and improving regulations are keeping investors interested in Cambodia as it begins to diversify its economic base. By Nick Freeman.

Despite the logistical problems of operating in the icy conditions of the Arctic Circle, Norway’s friendly business environment and tax advantages are hot attractions, writes James Hydzik.

Foreign and domestic automakers are rushing out affordable compact cars with local appeal, while turning India into an export hub. N Chandra Mohan reports.

Business confidence is soaring in South Africa ahead of the country’s hosting of the football World Cup in 2010, writes Wendy Atkins.

South Africa’s prospering sugar industry is the 13th largest in the world but it is a strong land use policy that is the key to the development of biofuels, says Glynn Morris.

Governance enforcement, political reform, debt relief and international aid are placing Liberia on a path to economic revival. Karen E Thuermer reports.

As president of the National Agency for Investment Development, Beatriz Nofal’s job is to talk up the country to investors. An auspicious set of circumstances is helping, she tells Jason Mitchell.

Technology put in place to tighten national security at ports of entry is helping the Bahamas monitor and predict tourist numbers and develop visitor programmes, Wendy Atkins reports.

Prime minister José Sócrates (right) talks to Brian Caplen and Peter Wise about his determination to “build Portugal into a modern country” fully equipped to compete in the global economy.

Curbing carbon emissions and refocusing immigration policy are top priorities for the governors of the US’s western states, reports Karen E Thuermer.

The US has had no national co-ordinated strategy or federal funding for overseas promotion, leaving states to compete for investment with national entities on a global stage. But the federal government is beginning to take an interest, Erika Morphy reports.

Globalisation pits city against city across the world in the battle for business. Don Holbrook looks at how this has affected once-successful locations in the US and warns that the country’s long-term prosperity is in jeopardy if they do not fight back.

There is a possibility that trade promotion authority, which provides the US administration with a fast-track procedure for trade agreements, could live beyond its shelf date. P Welles Orr argues that the procedure is essential if the US is to keep its leadership role in world trade.

Germany seems to be on the road to economic recovery but it is the strength of that recovery that will rule its ability to attract the FDI it needs to improve its long-term prospects. Jules Stewart reports.

When it comes to financial services, major UK cities and regions outside London are attracting the sector’s heavy hitters. Courtney Fingar reports.

Scotland’s financial services sector is steeped in history and cloaked in confidence.

In response to heavy demand for premium space, office, retail and residential projects are under construction in and around Bulgaria’s booming capital city. Courtney Fingar reports from Sofia.

Pakistan has raised its profile as an investment location in the past few years, despite bad press, and the privatisation programme rolls on, reports Jules Stewart.

Western anxieties about Chinese economic strength are overblown. Pervez N Ghauri and Priyan P Khakhar give a reality check.

Although Thailand’s political situation is shaky, the country’s many business advantages are keeping it on track as an alternative investment destination to China.

The real estate market in India is positively humming as GDP growth soars. Bundeep Singh Rangar reports on market developments, FDI predictions and company listings in the real estate sector.

Russian companies and banks are piling into the real estate sector but experts warn that prices are overblown and expect a correction, writes Ben Aris.

Croatia’s burgeoning tourism industry needs more investment and know-how but the country is also paying particular attention to protecting the natural environment, taking action to prevent overdevelopment, says James Hydzik.

Although Romania and Bulgaria have gained entry to the EU, they must still ensure they have the necessary competitive advantages to attract inward investment. By Priyan P Khakhar and Zaki Abushal.

Turkey’s prime minister is stalling the country’s privatisation programme for political ends, writes Metin Demirsar.

The Wallonia-Belgium Transport & Logistics Cluster is tasked with organising the region’s assets to compete with Europe’s top logistics locations. Superlative road, rail, water and air links give it an edge, Karen E Thuermer reports.

After much horse-trading, the Dominican Republic is now ready to implement the regional free-trade agreement, DR-Cafta. John McCarthy reports on the trade implications between the Caribbean nation and the US.

While the provisions of the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-Cafta) may be new, the Dominican economy has been facing up to the challenges of globalisation for much longer.

To meet his economic aims and achieve investment grade, Brazil’s president must undertake major structural reforms, yet this seems unlikely for political reasons, reports Jason Mitchell.

Despite fuss from supporters and dissenters, a government plan to standardise corporate tax rates – if it ever comes to fruition – is unlikely to put foreign companies off investing in China, writes Y Y Tang.

South Korea is negotiating a free trade agreement with the US from a position of power, making demands that could result in a stall. But although US companies would benefit from an FTA, most will not change their Korea plans, says Erika Morphy .

Two new laws implemented last year are contributing towards Vietnam’s journey from emerging market to mainstream economy and loosening up FDI inflows. Nick Freeman reports from Ho Chi Minh City.

Following a huge blow to tourist confidence after bombings in 2002 and 2005, the local government is now improving infrastructure to give the industry a better long-term future. By Wendy Atkins.

In all the excitement over natural resources, it is easy to overlook the fact that Australia’s is a services-led economy, fuelled by the finance sector. Courtney Fingar reports from Sydney.