Global free zones may be spurring development in less economically developed countries

Despite recurrent challenges, Afghanistan’s business environment is improving. Now the authorities are working to persuade investors the rewards are worth the risk through a series of economic and legal reforms. 

Asia outstrips the world for tourist arrivals and is still experiencing growth. Constant maintenance and upgrade are essential to maintain this lead.

Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund, Samruk-Kazyna, has approved a new 2018 to 2028 strategy that will eventually expand its investment activity beyond the domestic market.

The social turmoil in Hong Kong has triggered an economic crisis, raising questions over the special administrative region’s future as a major financial hub on mainland China’s doorstep. 

China's coronavirus outbreak is having a seismic effect in Asia and beyond, writes Lawrence Yeo.

Sardar Popalzai, president of the Balochistan Economic Forum, talks about the blue economy and the Pakistani province’s tourism potential.

We are currently in a state of heightened business and economic disruption and sociopolitical activism, which only looks set to intensify. 

President Obrador aims to mobilise billions in public and private investment to create an alternative to the Panama Canal along the Tehuantepec corridor. 

The trend towards the vetting of foreign investment, especially projects that involve advanced technology and national data or pose potential security threats, is on the rise. David Gabathuler and Matthew T West give a trans-Atlantic perspective.

Early reports on the new trade agreement between the US, Mexico and Canada – known as the USMCA – suggest that the US is getting the better end of the deal. But what are the implications of the new rules of origin?

Giant investment firm BlackRock throwing its weight behind sustainability issues is sending a signal to the corporate world to respond urgently to global calls for action, writes Gregg Wassmansdorf.

Venture capital funding has reached record levels in recent years, enabling start-ups to expand across borders – but their ability to do this depends on their type of business, and where they are founded.

Poland’s Wrocław has turned in a stellar performance in fDi’s Return on Investment study, landing the city the top slot in the Return on Budget and Return on Personnel Investment categories. 

Replacing the “nightmare” that was Nafta was a dream of US president Donald Trump – but its replacement appears to favour few groups except for dispute resolution firms.

Up to 18 countries across Latin America have joined China’s new Belt and Road Initiative, hoping to boost their infrastructure development and investment.  

Scientific innovation, a conducive regulatory climate and increased globalisation of drug markets are driving an investment boom in biotechnology, with small companies and emerging markets shaking up the sector.

Wavteq's Henry Loewendahl discusses which sectors retain potential for foreign investment amid the current global crisis 

Long-dominant global supply chains look less tenable in the light of pressures ranging from pandemics to disasters, trade tensions and protectionism.

Covid-19 crisis has laid bare the weaknesses of global value chains around the world

The global pharmaceutical sector has seen consistent growth since 2014, with western Europe a major beneficiary.

Philomène Dias, director of inward investment at Portuguese investment promotion agency Aicep, on how staff and organisation are working through lockdown.

The UAE followed Singapore’s swift reaction to combat Covid-19, to preserve the health of its citizens. Now moves are in place to tackle the country’s economic wellbeing.

The Dutch appeal court has reinstated a major $50bn award to Yukos shareholders by Russia, in a long-running dispute.

Foreign investment in the global renewable energy market hit unprecedented highs in 2019. However, the coronavirus crisis may reverse this trend. 

The coronavirus pandemic could change human behaviour more permanently in future.

Once the powerhouse of the industrial US, the rust belt states have revived their economies with the help of foreign investment. 

Jeep Wrangler sets the bar for off-roading capability Larger Ford Bronco has a more modern suspension Both SUVs have removable doors and tops When Ford relaunched the Bronco for the 2021 model year, it had one target in its sights: The Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler has been the American benchmark for off-roading capability in the 80-plus years since...

Cadillac Vistiq revealed as brand's “globally sized” electric three-row SUV Vistiq comes standard with 615 hp and 102 kwh Pricing starts at $78,790, including destination Cadillac's expansion of its electric vehicle lineup continues with the arrival of the 2026 Vistiq, a midsize SUV with third-row seats designed to fill the gap between...

The updated 2025 VW Golf GTI features ChatGPT The AI will be integrated into an upsized 12.9-inch touchscreen that will be standard in the U.S. This updated Golf GTI might be the last iteration with a gas engine Volkswagen's iconic Golf hatchback celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, and the automaker marked the occasion with the launch of a...

The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R's output increases to 328 hp A manual transmission remains off the table for all Golfs, including the R The Golf R gains a larger touchscreen and more LED lighting Volkswagen has an updated 2025 Golf R headed to showrooms early next year, and on Tuesday the automaker confirmed some of the specifications for the U.S...

Mazda issued two more recalls for the CX-90, and the CX-70 joins recall list One issue stems from an inverter software issue while the other has do to with faulty software in the dashboard New software is the fix for both issues Mazda is recalling CX-90 and CX-70 crossover SUVs for two separate software-related issues. One could cause loss of...

Alpine F1 team will make switch to Mercedes-Benz AMG power units in 2026 Agreement lasts until at least 2030 Former supplier Renault is ending F1 power unit program to focus on EV technology The Alpine Formula 1 team on Tuesday announced plans to switch to power units and gearboxes from Mercedes-Benz AMG starting in 2026, when F1 is due to...

Santa Fe Hybrid makes 231 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque Santa Fe Hybrid averaged 31 mpg combined over mostly highway miles Comfy seats, clever storage, and a spacious cargo area with the third-row folded make it a good family hauler My teen daughter’s a videographer. Whenever I test a big car, fast car, cool car, anything that’s not...

Lucid Motors is pitching its Air electric sedan as a potential police cruiser. On Sunday the automaker posted photos of an Air decked out in police equipment on X (formerly Twitter). Lucid said the car had recently participated in California Highway Patrol testing, but did not provide any other details. We've reached out to Lucid with questions...

Mazda CX-50 Hybrid gets its 38-mpg powertrain from Toyota Styling and packaging is mostly unchanged, price is $2,550 to $3,400 more than non-hybrid Lacks much of the engaging, responsive driving experience that's distinguished Mazda Among mainstream, gasoline-fueled vehicles, with only a few exceptions, our advice to most shoppers is simple: If...

Kazakhstan is about to unveil a plan that aims to diversify its exports by fostering industrial development and to make the country a base for export-oriented manufacturers connected to global value chains. Jacopo Dettoni reports. 

When Kazakhstan’s president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, took the baton from ‘leader of the nation’ Nursultan Nazarbayev, he pledged stability and continuity, as well as new approaches to succeed where previous policies have struggled to gain traction. Jacopo Dettoni reports on the progress so far. 

Embodied by its huge historic port and diverse population, Antwerp has long embraced globalisation. Renewed impetus from stakeholders across Belgium’s second most populous city is ensuring ample opportunities for foreign investors.

Antwerp’s vice-mayor, Claude Marinower, talks about the city's history as a diverse business location, and its plans to promote traditional industries alongside innovative concepts.

Antwerp boasts both Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster and its second largest port, which forms the bedrock of the city’s economy. Now the authorities are collaborating to foster innovation and sustainability to build on these historic strengths.

With a multilingual population, Antwerp enjoys a diverse talent pool that has made it a popular testbed for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.

Antwerp has long been an attractive retail location in Belgium, while also offering investors an efficient and transparent planning process. 

Moldova's wine industry has gained some international recognition but the country remains largely untroubled by tourists, a combination that is enticing some foreign investors.

Data from fDi Markets shows that after a lean few years Chile's FDI landscape is recovering in impressive fashion.

Successive annual increases of FDI inflows to Spain culminated in a record year in 2018. Alex Irwin-Hunt reports.

Figures show 2018 was India’s best year for manufacturing FDI in seven years.

Canadian utilities giant ATCO was struck by Australia’s unique ability to make green hydrogen by harnessing its abundant sunshine. This capacity, combined with the country’s can-do attitude and commitment to the development of renewable energies, compelled the company to invest in Australia’s first Clean Energy Innovation Hub to fast-track sustainable solutions for future energy needs.

Dutch company Starware has defied the challenges of COVID-19 and established a subsidiary in Melbourne, Victoria.

Australia is seeking the world’s best and brightest talent to relocate to one of the safest, most economically stable and innovative countries in the world.