Group 1 - In the first half of 2025, the United States became the largest greenfield investor in Saudi Arabia, with investments in 61 projects totaling $2.7 billion [1] - Egypt ranked second, investing in 11 projects with a total value of $1.81 billion [1] - China secured the third position, investing $858.3 million through 11 projects [1] Group 2 - Overall, the number of greenfield projects in Saudi Arabia increased by 30.1% year-on-year, reaching 203 projects [1] - Total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow grew by 1.7% year-on-year, amounting to $9.34 billion [1] - The commercial services sector had the highest number of greenfield FDI projects, with 55 projects accounting for 27% of the total [1] Group 3 - Riyadh attracted the most investments, with 100 projects and a total investment of $2.3 billion [1] - Dammam had 21 investment projects totaling $1.28 billion [1] - Jeddah followed with 13 projects and a total investment of $1.22 billion [1]

Core Insights - Vietnam's manufacturing sector continues to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI), with $10.03 billion in new registered FDI, of which $5.61 billion (55.9%) is in manufacturing [1] - Cumulative FDI in manufacturing reached $13.72 billion, accounting for nearly 57% of Vietnam's total FDI [1] - Actual FDI disbursement in manufacturing was $11.1 billion, representing a high proportion of 81.6% [1] Group 1 - The manufacturing sector remains the most attractive area for FDI in Vietnam, supported by competitive labor costs, strategic geographic location, and the implementation of new free trade agreements [1] - Vietnam is increasingly integrating into global supply chains, particularly in electronics, components, and equipment [1] Group 2 - The concentration of FDI in manufacturing is expected to enhance Vietnam's industrial production capacity, boost exports, create jobs, and significantly contribute to GDP growth [2] - Maintaining the current level of FDI attraction and increasing localization rates will lay the foundation for achieving double-digit growth targets from 2026 to 2030 [2] - There is a need to focus on improving the quality of FDI by prioritizing high-tech and environmentally friendly projects to align with global green growth trends [2]

Group 1 - India's foreign direct investment (FDI) dropped to $3.5 million in May, a 98% year-on-year decline, with a 97% drop in FDI for 2024, causing significant concern in India [1] - The Indian government plans to ease investment conditions for foreign investors, particularly targeting Chinese companies that still have substantial investments in India [1][3] - The National Transformation Council of India proposed to relax scrutiny on Chinese investments, allowing them to invest in local companies while limiting their ownership to 24% [3] Group 2 - Chinese smartphone brands have significantly contributed to India's manufacturing sector, with one brand surpassing Samsung to become the largest smartphone brand in India by 2017 [5] - The establishment of factories by Chinese companies in India has led to the country becoming the second-largest smartphone producer globally [5] - However, Indian conglomerates have aggressively taken control of factories, leading to significant losses for foreign manufacturers and causing many foreign companies to withdraw from the Indian market [7] Group 3 - The withdrawal of foreign companies has been severe, with over 1,700 out of 5,000 foreign firms deregistering in India from 2022 to mid-2023, indicating a worsening trend in FDI [7][9] - India recognizes the importance of foreign investment for its economy and is now focusing on attracting Chinese companies that still operate in the country to potentially regain foreign interest [9]

Core Insights - A study by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPRRA) indicates that despite billions in foreign direct investment (FDI) flowing into Kenya, these investments are not directed towards critical industrial sectors such as manufacturing, mining, and construction, but rather into service sectors like retail, finance, information and communication technology, and hospitality [1] - The report highlights that even when investments do enter industrial sectors, they often take the form of greenfield projects, which require a long time to yield benefits and frequently do not align with local industrial needs [1] - The study found that in the four key sectors analyzed, both foreign direct investment and domestic direct investment (DDI) have statistically insignificant impacts on industrial output, revealing deep structural issues in Kenya's ability to attract and manage capital investments [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant decline in India's net foreign direct investment (FDI), which fell to a historic low of $35 million in May 2025, marking a 99% month-over-month and 98% year-over-year drop, raising concerns about the investment climate in India [4][10][12]. Group 1: FDI Data Analysis - In the fiscal year 2024-2025, India's net FDI is projected to be $353 million, a drastic decrease of 96.5% compared to nearly $10 billion in the previous fiscal year [10][11][12]. - The total FDI inflow for the fiscal year 2025 is expected to reach $81 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 13.7% [12]. - The sharp decline in net FDI is attributed to a significant outflow of foreign capital, with local companies investing $29 billion abroad [16][19]. Group 2: Regulatory Environment - India has been characterized as a "graveyard for foreign investment," with stringent regulations and unpredictable policies leading to substantial penalties for foreign companies [19][20]. - For instance, Samsung was required to pay $601 million in taxes and fines, equivalent to its annual net profit in India, illustrating the harsh financial environment for foreign firms [21][22]. - The Indian government has implemented various measures, such as a digital services tax and restrictions on foreign ownership, which have increased the cost of investment for foreign companies [25][26]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Despite the negative reputation, foreign companies continue to invest in India due to its large population and market potential, driven by a sense of optimism and the belief that they can navigate the regulatory landscape [29][30]. - However, the recent military conflict with Pakistan has raised alarms among international investors, highlighting concerns over India's military capabilities and the safety of their investments [42][49]. - The Indian central bank's attempts to downplay the situation by emphasizing market liquidity and attractiveness are met with skepticism, as the reality of a 99% drop in net FDI cannot be ignored [50][52].

Group 1 - The UAE has achieved a record high in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow, reaching $45.6 billion in 2024, a significant increase of 48% compared to the previous year [2] - The UAE has become the 10th largest FDI destination globally, attracting 37% of the region's foreign investment, showcasing its strength as a regional investment hub [2] - The UAE's success is attributed to strategic leadership, investor-friendly policies, and a vision for economic diversification, aiming to attract $354 billion in FDI by 2030 [2] Group 2 - The Dubai IFZA Free Zone serves as an official bridge for international investors, particularly Chinese companies, to efficiently enter the UAE market [3] - IFZA offers a partner-centric service model and comprehensive business support within a robust legal framework, facilitating access to opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa [3] - IFZA provides unique advantages such as transparent and low registration fees, simplified registration processes, and a wide range of business activities under one license [5]

Group 1 - South Korea has experienced the largest decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) to the U.S. among Asian countries, with a staggering 90% drop in 2024 compared to the previous year [1] - In 2024, total FDI to the U.S. from Asia is projected to be $23.2 billion, a 40% decrease year-on-year, while European investments remain dominant at $96.7 billion [1] - Japan, in contrast, has increased its investment in the U.S. to $18 billion, while China's investment has decreased by 9% to $589 million [1] Group 2 - The decline in South Korean investment is attributed to several factors, including market saturation, reduced demand in key industries like electric vehicle batteries, and increased uncertainty in U.S. policies [1][2] - South Korea was previously the largest investor in the U.S., with commitments of $21.5 billion in 2023, but recent shifts in U.S. policy under the Trump administration have led to a reassessment of investment strategies [2] - Despite the overall decline, some Asian companies, such as Hyundai Motor Group, are still pursuing expansion plans, with Hyundai announcing an additional $21 billion investment in the U.S. [3]

Core Viewpoint - The CEO of Vietnam Technology Commercial Bank stated that the 20% tariffs imposed by the United States on Vietnam will not hinder foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow [1] Group 1 - The statement reflects confidence in Vietnam's ability to attract FDI despite external economic pressures [1] - The bank's leadership suggests that the impact of tariffs may be mitigated by other favorable investment conditions in Vietnam [1]

Group 1 - High energy prices and ongoing global uncertainty have weakened the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) globally [1][3] - In the fiscal year ending March 2023, the UK saw 1,375 FDI projects, a 12% decrease from the previous year, marking the lowest level in 18 years [1] - The IT and financial services sectors attracted the most FDI projects, but new project numbers declined by 2.3% and 5% respectively [1] Group 2 - The high cost of energy is a significant factor impacting investment interest, with UK industrial consumers facing an average electricity price of 25.8 pence per kWh, nearly 50% higher than France and Germany, and four times that of the US and Canada [3] - The UK manufacturing sector has seen a one-third decline in output for energy-intensive industries since early 2021, reaching the lowest level since 1990 [3] - A ten-year industrial development strategy by the UK government aims to reduce energy costs and optimize energy infrastructure to support key industries [3] Group 3 - Other European countries are also struggling to attract FDI, with a reported 58% drop in FDI inflows [4][5] - The UNCTAD's 2025 World Investment Report indicates a slight global FDI growth of 4% in 2024, but a real decline of 11% when excluding certain European financial transactions [5] - The EY's 2025 European Attractiveness Survey shows a 5% decrease in overall FDI projects in Europe, the lowest in nine years, with a 16% drop in jobs created by FDI [5]

Group 1 - The UN Conference on Trade and Development reports a global FDI decline of 11% in 2024, totaling $1.493 trillion, influenced by geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation [1] - Developed economies experienced a 22% drop in FDI, with Europe facing a significant decline of 58%, while North America saw a 23% increase driven by the US [1] - Africa's FDI surged by 75% to a record $97 billion, accounting for 6% of global FDI, with Egypt leading in FDI stock at $205.2 billion [1] Group 2 - International financing for key sectors is declining, with infrastructure projects down 26%, renewable energy by 31%, transportation by 32%, and water and sanitation facilities by 30% in 2024 [2] - The UNCTAD Secretary-General highlights that many economies are overlooked not due to lack of potential but because capital is directed to easier access points rather than areas of need [2] - The digital economy is one of the few growing sectors, with a 14% increase in global FDI in 2024, although this growth is concentrated in 10 countries that account for 80% of new projects [2]