A study reveals chief executives’ greatest fear is not avian flu, global warming or even terrorism but plain old red tape. Courtney Fingar offers aspiring FDI recipients some simple advice

Food and beverages giant Kraft is relocating its European headquarters to Switzerland.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced a strategic research and innovation initiative that will provide $95m in funds for projects in ‘clean’ technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology.

As US president George W Bush began his dialogue with a new and Democratic Congress, he sought to focus their attention on some issues of paramount concern, including energy and health care insurance.

Remember the wild days of the dot-com boom, when the internet would change everything? They said geography was dead and distance did not matter. Pure shenanigans… or is there something in it?

This year, a record number of Indian companies will acquire businesses in Europe, and Western companies will redouble their efforts to take a stake in India, according to market watchers at IndusView, an Indian mergers and acquisitions firm.

Global flows of foreign investment reached their second highest level ever in 2006: $1200bn. According to new United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) estimates, significant growth was recorded in inflows to developed, developing as well as transition economies.

Will there be an Asia revival this year? Lawrence Yeo finds Asian companies teeming with enthusiasm and looks at the developments that could help the region’s economies to climb up the FDI ladder.

Legal challenges from the world of foreign direct investment. By Luke Peterson.

Cement giant Cemex is involved in the biggest regeneration project in Europe: the UK’s Thames Gateway. Karen E Thuermer reports on the logistics involved and the firm’s continuing expansion.

Sitting back and basking in the City of London’s success is not on Lord Mayor John Stuttard’s agenda. He tells Karina Robinson that he is heavily involved in ensuring financial services continues to be the fastest growing sector in the UK.

The bosses of Research in Motion, the makers of BlackBerry, are pushing the company to new heights in the world of wireless e-mail with continual research and innovation, and products that create global growth and investment opportunities. By Karen E Thuermer.

Property investors can no longer count on yield compression for returns – rental income growth is fast becoming the prime focus. Erika Morphy reports on the global search for the next boom market.

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.

With its global reputation for design, Milan is attracting manufacturing firms that are seeking skills and creativity – and the city’s kudos – to give themselves a competitive edge, writes Silvia Pavoni.

Regional co-operation between Vilnius and Kaunas looks set to bring benefits to Lithuania as a whole.

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.

Transport technology is becoming increasingly important for companies and their locations. Karen E Thuermer suggests it is the innovation wave of the future.

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.

From the US to China, private and state actors are jointly responding to demands for improved ‘green’ technologies by investing in wind, wave and solar power as well as fuel cells and energy conservation. Karen E Thuermer reports.

The US state is focusing on environmental technologies.

With the US cracking down on online gambling, other jurisdictions are making a play for gaming company domiciles. Erika Morphy 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.

Given that international trade bodies are reluctant to champion a single multilateral treaty protecting foreign investment, firms will continue to travel the globe, locating their shell companies in the most favourable investment portals available, says Luke Peterson.

Brian Cassady explores the new instruments for restructuring foreign investments gone bad and finds that countries around the world are following the US’s lead.

Getting the back-office functions and legal structure right should not be forgotten in the excitement of setting up overseas operations. Mike Sable outlines some of the essentials for companies moving into the UK, and makes a case for outsourcing.

Emerging economies with attractive investment climates are in need of professional investment promotion just as much as their developed competitors, advises Kai Hammerich.

An UNCTAD report concludes that reducing the wealth gap between rich and poor countries requires the adoption of proactive policies that cut debt, bring down trade barriers and encourage the return home of migrants.

The industrial trends in the US and Canada are mirrored in those of Arizona and Toronto. fDi puts the spotlight on two of North America’s most dynamic business locations

Toronto is a thriving gateway to the globe’s most lucrative markets – the best investment choice.

A dynamic business environment is available in Arizona with its global network and wide variety of industry.

The number of new legal disputes between foreign investors and host countries declined last year, with case-burdened Argentina and Mexico avoiding any new claims.