Group 1 - Mexico recorded a historic foreign direct investment (FDI) of $40.9 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 14.5% [1] - The U.S. accounts for 39% of the foreign investment in Mexico, indicating a strong economic connection between the two countries [1] - The diversification of FDI sources is evident, with Spain contributing 14%, Japan 7%, and the Netherlands 6% [1] Group 2 - A significant portion (68%) of FDI comes from companies already operating in Mexico reinvesting their profits, but the ability to attract new enterprises has not seen substantial growth [2] - FDI is not merely capital injection; it also includes technology transfer, which is crucial for creating higher-income job opportunities and entering global high-value chains [2] - Despite record FDI, Mexico's GDP is nearly stagnant, with a significant decline in domestic investment, leading the central bank to lower the 2025 economic growth forecast from 0.6% to 0.3% [2]

Core Viewpoint - The report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) highlights that the high tariff policies of the United States create uncertainty in global trade, significantly undermining the ability of Latin American and Caribbean countries to attract foreign direct investment [1] Group 1 - The ECLAC report was released in Santiago, Chile, on November 19 [1] - The report specifically addresses the impact of U.S. tariff policies on international trade [1] - It emphasizes the negative effects on foreign direct investment in the Latin American and Caribbean region [1]

Core Insights - Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) decreased to approximately 780 million marks in the first half of this year, down from 891 million marks in the same period last year, representing a decline of 111 million marks [1] - The top investing countries in BiH for the first half of 2025 were Croatia (203 million marks), Germany (174 million marks), and Serbia (108 million marks) [1] - The primary sectors attracting foreign investment were financial services (503.8 million marks), followed by retail trade (219.8 million marks) and wholesale trade (205 million marks) [1] Investment Trends - The trend of declining foreign investment is not unique to BiH, as other countries in the Western Balkans are experiencing similar challenges [1] - The reduction in investment is attributed to economic stagnation or decline in major EU economies, which are the primary investors in the Western Balkans, and a shift of capital towards more competitive production cost destinations outside Europe [1] - The impact of declining foreign investment on BiH's economic growth is relatively minor, as the country had previously attracted a limited amount of FDI compared to countries like Serbia [1] Future Recommendations - It is essential for BiH to align its foreign investment policies with economic structural transformation to attract investments that provide higher added value, create quality jobs, and enhance economic competitiveness [2] - Investment in vocational education is crucial, as skilled labor is a key factor in attracting investors from technologically advanced sectors [2]

Core Insights - The UNCTAD report indicates a significant decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa, projecting a 42% drop in the first half of 2025, amounting to only $28 billion [1] Summary by Region - North Africa experienced the most substantial decrease, with FDI falling from $27 billion in the same period last year to $11 billion [1] - Sub-Saharan Africa saw a 23% decline, with FDI decreasing to $17 billion [1] Comparative Analysis - This decline in Africa contrasts with stable growth in other regions, such as Latin America and the Caribbean (+12%) and Asia (+7%) [1] Future Outlook - The global investment environment is expected to remain under pressure until the end of 2025, although there may be limited recovery due to relaxed financing conditions, increased merger and acquisition activities, and growth in sovereign wealth fund expenditures abroad [1]

Core Insights - Nepal's foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments have more than doubled in the first four months of the fiscal year 25/26 compared to the previous year [1] Investment Overview - From mid-July to mid-November, Nepal attracted FDI commitments worth NPR 36.68 billion (approximately USD 2.58 million), up from NPR 17.03 billion (approximately USD 1.2 million) in the same period last fiscal year [1] - The funds will be allocated to 382 projects, which are expected to create 33,814 new jobs in Nepal [1] Sector Analysis - The agriculture sector received the highest amount of FDI commitments [1] - In terms of project numbers, the information and communication technology (ICT) and tourism sectors are leading [1]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the report indicates that 73% of members of the OICCI believe Pakistan is a viable destination for foreign direct investment, an increase from 61% in 2023 [1] - The improvement in foreign investor confidence is attributed to the stabilization of Pakistan's macroeconomic environment, with inflation decreasing from 37% in mid-2023 to 4% by July 2025, and a stable exchange rate of the rupee [1] - The report highlights that 35% of respondents currently prioritize Pakistan as a new foreign direct investment destination, up from 24% two years ago [1] Group 2 - The OICCI members suggest enhancing Pakistan's digital and regulatory frameworks, increasing human capital investment, and diversifying industrial growth to reduce reliance on the IT sector [2] - Foreign direct investment inflows for the fiscal years 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025 are reported at $2.568 billion, $3.166 billion, and $4.280 billion respectively, showing a year-on-year increase [2] - The report notes that while the investment environment has improved, challenges such as high business costs and complex tax processes remain, necessitating ongoing reforms by the government [3]

Group 1 - The State Bank of Pakistan has maintained the policy interest rate at 11%, marking the fourth consecutive time the rate has remained unchanged since it was adjusted from 12% in May 2023 [8] - The World Bank's report indicates that Pakistan's economy is expected to grow by 3% by the end of the fiscal year 2024, driven by a rebound in industrial activity and expansion in the services sector [9] - A survey by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry shows that 73% of its members view Pakistan as a viable destination for foreign direct investment, up from 61% in 2023, attributed to macroeconomic stability and declining inflation [9] Group 2 - The Pakistani Ministry of Finance forecasts an inflation rate of 5%-6% by October 2025, influenced by supply disruptions and temporary border closures due to recent floods, which caused losses of 430 billion PKR in the agricultural sector [9] - The Green Climate Fund has approved $250 million for the "From Glaciers to Farmlands" project, aimed at building resilient water and agricultural systems in glacier-dependent communities in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Pakistan [10] - The total profit of listed banks in Pakistan reached 170 billion PKR in Q3 2025, an 8% year-on-year increase, with net interest income growing by 6% driven by significant increases from major banks [10]

Core Viewpoint - The global economy continues to face headwinds, with trade uncertainty and volatility leading to a more cautious economic and business environment [1][2] Trade and Investment - Global goods and services trade has stabilized, with the export-to-GDP ratio projected to be 29% in 2024, matching levels from 2007 [1] - Foreign direct investment flowing to emerging markets and developing economies has dropped to its lowest level since 2005 [1] Regional Trade Dynamics - In many regions, intra-regional trade remains limited, with Africa and South Asia's intra-regional trade accounting for less than 3% of GDP, while the European Union approaches 25% [1] Recommended Actions - Investment in infrastructure, including physical infrastructure as well as health and education, is essential [1] - Support for policy and regulatory reforms is necessary to create a clear and stable business environment [1] - Reducing non-tariff barriers and enhancing regional integration can facilitate faster domestic and regional trade, leading to economic growth and untapped opportunities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Vietnam's GDP growth reached 8.23% year-on-year in Q3 2025, with a cumulative growth of 7.85% for the first three quarters, marking the fastest growth in three years despite a complex global economic environment [1][3]. Group 1: Economic Growth Drivers - The strong performance of the manufacturing sector is the core driver of Vietnam's economic growth, supported by robust exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) [1][3]. - Vietnam's total goods import and export volume reached $680.66 billion in the first nine months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 17.3%, with exports growing by 16% and imports by 18.8%, resulting in a trade surplus of $16.82 billion [1][2]. Group 2: Export Performance - Exports are a key engine for Vietnam's economic growth, with export value nearing $349 billion in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 16% year-on-year increase [2]. - Major export categories include computers, electronic products, and components, with export values of $38.41 billion, and mobile phones and components at $22.4 billion [2]. Group 3: Foreign Direct Investment - Vietnam attracted a total of $28.54 billion in foreign investment by September 30, 2025, a year-on-year increase of 15.2%, with actual FDI reaching $18.8 billion, up 8.5%, marking a five-year high [2]. - The processing and manufacturing sector accounted for 82.8% of the total actual foreign investment, with additional capital for existing projects soaring by 122% to $8.95 billion [2]. Group 4: Domestic Consumption and Business Activity - Domestic consumption has significantly contributed to economic growth, with over 230,000 new or resumed businesses in the first nine months of 2025, a 26.4% year-on-year increase [3]. - The survey of manufacturing and processing enterprises indicated that 40.8% expect improved conditions in Q4, while 41.7% anticipate stable operations [3]. Group 5: Monetary Policy and Economic Outlook - The central bank of Vietnam has maintained stable monetary policy to address inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, demonstrating economic resilience despite currency volatility [3]. - The strong economic growth in Q3 2025 reflects Vietnam's adaptability to global challenges, with coordinated development across industries and a focus on achieving a 10% growth target for 2026 [3][4].

Core Insights - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects a resilient economic growth of 4.5% for the Asia-Pacific region in 2025, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from the April forecast [1] - The forecast for mainland China's economic growth in 2025 is set at 4.8%, which is 0.8 percentage points higher than the previous prediction [1] Economic Trends - The report highlights a significant change in the global landscape due to extensive tariff increases by the United States in 2025, impacting trade dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region [1] - The necessity for policies that promote trade openness and foreign direct investment, along with reforms to enhance competitiveness, is emphasized as crucial for maintaining trade as an engine of economic growth [1] Investment and Capital Allocation - The report indicates that since the global financial crisis, there has been a slowdown in economic growth and an intensification of global trade fragmentation, underscoring the need for Asia-Pacific countries to strengthen domestic economic growth drivers [1] - High investment rates in the region have historically relied on a favorable financial structure for capital-intensive growth, but recent trends show increasing capital misallocation and declining investment returns [1] - Issues such as inefficient financial intermediation and rising debt rollover phenomena are contributing to these trends, necessitating policy measures to broaden financing channels for a wider range of enterprises and support timely restructuring of unsustainable debt [1]