State of Gujarat to be recognised for FDI achievements in lieu of Personality of the Year award

Investing in post-conflict countries is, if you’ll pardon the pun, a mine-field, and no amount of Welsh hospitality can prepare even the most battle-hardened of reporters, or investors, for the risks involved. But, as Courtney Fingar discovered, the reality may not be as bad as you fear.

The increasing importance of a reliable IT infrastructure and internet connectivity in emerging economies has caused US firm Cisco to shift its focus towards the world’s up-and-coming cities. Lara Williams reports.

While the Trump Organisation’s real estate business may be suffering at the hands of the economic downturn, the company holds high hopes for its golf course development in Scotland, reports Lara Williams.

As the global economic crisis continues, one way businesses can save money is through making the most of their real estate. Matthew Stone, head of occupier strategy for Europe at Cushman & Wakefield, outlines 10 ways to get the best returns.

Cobham secures 10-year deal to supply $2.4bn-worth of equipment to the US Army, easing protectionism concerns.

FDI into Latin America is set to plunge after the record highs of recent years as the effects of the economic downturn are beginning to take effect on inward investment flows into the region.

FDI projects in the alternative energy sector in the US have seen ­­a huge increase in 2009 under president Barack Obama’s­ ­administration.

As the largest maker of wind turbine gears in the US, Siemens is expanding production to take advantage of President Barack Obama’s call for a quarter of US energy to come from renewable sources by 2010, writes Karen E Thuermer.

Kentucky’s governor is planning to make the state ‘the epicentre of the US’s automobile industry’ by focusing on its production of batteries for electric cars. Karen E Thuermer reports.

Could electric vehicles re-energise the flagging US auto sector and help fuel economic revival in the rust belt? Lillie Guyer examines the initiatives which encourage battery manufacture and how companies are responding.

In the first year of a combined Caribbean and Central American Countries of the Future ­competition, Puerto Rico has ranked as the most attractive country for foreign investors. Jacqueline Hegarty reports on the leading ­performers in the region.

China’s detention of four Rio Tinto executives on spying charges has once again highlighted the risks for multinational companies which deal with the Chinese government.

The Australian state of Victoria’s minister for industry and trade tells Lara Williams that rather than rely on the actions of the national government to steer it out of the global recession, the region is taking matters into its own hands.

Exigen Services’ acquisition of Taihoo Technologies ended the company’s 18-month search for a route into China. Lara Williams reports on a deal that has been mutually beneficial in a number of ways.

Hong Kong’s traditional strengths – good location, strong regulation and a simple tax regime – have not been enough to stave off the global recession. Trade flows and FDI have dropped, but will the government’s stimulus package be enough to reverse the territory’s fortunes? Lara Williams reports.

The Malaysian government has already ploughed $19bn into reviving the country’s economy. Prime minister Najib Razak tells fDi how he plans to build on the stimulus packages to make the country a first choice for investors

Malaysia’s new prime minister is pursuing a pointed policy of market liberalisation in order to avoid the middle-income country trap. By Jules Stewart.

UK prime minister tips north-east region to become electric car production hub in wake of Nissan investment in the area.

In his 10 years as president of Lithuania, Valdas Adamkus oversaw the country’s shift from a socialist to a free-market economy. He looks back with Lara Williams.

US hotel chain Gansevoort is looking to open more luxury spaces in Europe, with Istanbul and London high on the company’s list. Lara Williams reports

Launching an air cargo carrier in the current economic climate may seem foolhardy, but AeroLogic, the joint venture between Lufthansa Cargo and DHL Express based in Leipzig-Halle, is thriving. Karen E Thuermer reports.

Prime minister Richard Tsvangirai scraps controversial indigenisation laws to attract international companies.

Iraq’s first major post-war attempt at attracting foreign investors to kick-start the country’s oil industry has ended in disappointment.

Hewlett Packard, the world’s largest technology company, is to invest in Tunisia’s growing customer call-centre industry. It is backing a new facility, currently being built at the El Ghazala Technolopole in Tunis.

Standard Bank chief executive Jacko Maree tells Charlie Corbett about how he is taking advantage of the milestone relationship with the Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China to expand the South African bank’s global presence.

The Egyptian minister of finance’s background serving in the IMF and various roles in the country’s government put him in a good position to navigate the global economic slowdown and continue with his financial reforms. Tom Blass reports.

South Africa has been crowned the top African Country of the Future in fDi Magazine’s 2009/10 competition for the third time, with Egypt and Morocco ranking second and third, respectively. Jacqueline Hegarty reports on the leading ­performers in the African region.

There are rewards to be reaped for early investors in ­post-conflict zones, writes Lara Williams.

France, Spain and Germany have overtaken the US as the most popular ‘invest in’ locations searched for using Google.

The downturn, Satyam scandal and Mumbai terrorist attacks have not dented outsourcing’s long-term prospects, says Karen E Thuermer.

Finnish company Neste was the first to expand into the post-Soviet Baltic region through its Western-style unmanned service stations, meaning it had the pick of the best locations, and established a good rapport with customers before competitors moved in. Harley Johansen reports.

FDI figures for the first five months of 2009 show a slight slip among emerging economies as they are hit by the recession.

As security improves, Iraq’s focus – and that of its largest province – is turning to economic development and reconstruction, writes Courtney Fingar.

Rich in natural resources and awash with agricultural potential, Anbar offers interesting prospects for investors willing to scratch below the surface. By Courtney Fingar.

Anbar’s governor is taking a hands-on approach to rebuilding the resource-rich region and rehabilitating its industries. Interview by Courtney Fingar.

How safe – or not – is Anbar for foreign investors? That is very much a relative question, writes Courtney Fingar.

Tourism may not seem the likeliest of sectors to take off in Anbar, but the crowds flocking to the province’s picturesque lakes suggest it might be worth exploring. By Courtney Fingar.