Successful entrepreneurs often look for lucrative opportunities well beyond the borders of their own country, which explains why foreign investments have become quite popular in recent years. But which are entrepreneurs’ favored destinations when it comes to investing? Entrepreneurs will choose a foreign business opportunity based on a myriad of factors, from the local state of economy and growth opportunities to legal aspects and profit outlooks.
Based on the most recent data published by the United Nations in their Conference on Trade and Development report, we would like to present you with a list we have compiled of the top 20 destinations for foreign investments. The following countries are ranked according to foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows generated throughout the year 2013. All figures are accurate as of January 28, 2014.
In total, over $1.46 trillion worth of foreign investments were made throughout the year 2013. The biggest share of this money was taken by the USA, with an FDI inflow worth $159 billion. Even though this figure is down by $9 billion compared to 2012 ($168 billion), the USA is still ahead of any other country. China is the only other nation on our countdown to exceed $100 billion in FDI in 2013, while Russia wraps up our top three with $95 billion worth of FDI.
Curious to see where entrepreneurs have been making investments over the past year? Let’s take a look at the countdown.
No. 20: Belgium
Foreign direct investment: $18 billion
No. 19: Indonesia
Foreign direct investment: $18 billion
No. 18: Chile
Foreign direct investment: $20 billion
No. 17: The Netherlands
Foreign direct investment: $23 billion
No. 16: India
Foreign direct investment: $30 billion
No. 15: Luxembourg
Foreign direct investment: $34 billion
No. 14: Germany
Foreign direct investment: $35 billion
No. 13: Spain
Foreign direct investment: $37 billion
No. 12: Mexico
Foreign direct investment: $38 billion
No. 11: Australia
Foreign direct investment: $40 billion
No. 10: Ireland
Foreign direct investment: $45 billion
No. 9: The United Kingdom
Foreign direct investment: $65 billion
No. 8: Singapore
Foreign direct investment: $67 billion
No. 7: Brazil
Foreign direct investment: $63 billion
No. 6: Canada
Foreign direct investment: $64 billion
No. 5: Hong Kong
Foreign direct investment: $75 billion
No. 4: British Virgin Islands
Foreign direct investment: $92 billion
No. 3: Russia
Foreign direct investment: $95 billion
No. 2: China
Foreign direct investment: $129 billion
No. 1: The United States
Foreign direct investment: $159 billion
