FDI flows into Italy last year defied the general downward trend, climbing 2% and continuing a rise that began in 1998. The country is now a net outward investor, with its outward FDI stock increasing sixfold between 1990 and 2001. Italian FDI stock, both inward and outward, is regionally diversified; the top three investors are France, the Netherlands and Switzerland. The ratio of FDI stock to GDP is relatively low, suggesting a potential for further investment.
In Canada, both inflows and outflows dropped last year by about 20%, although they were above the average 1997-1999 levels. While 90% of inflows originate in the United States, outflows are more diversified, with the US receiving some 62% of the total in 2001.
Like Italy, Canada has also become a net outward investor; its outward FDI stock increased four and a half times from 1990 to 2002. Financial services are the most important industry for both inward and outward stock. In contrast to Italy, Canada´s ratio of FDI stock to GDP is significant and continues to increase, from about 20% of inward stock a decade ago to 30% in 2000.
National investment profiles are being published online as they become available, based on each country´s reporting schedules. The profiles, which are part of UNCTAD´s World Investment Directory, provide quick electronic access to the latest statistics on foreign direct investment (FDI) and the operations of transnational corporations (TNCs). They include statistical definitions and sources, a listing of relevant national laws and regulations, information on bilateral and multilateral agreements and a bibliography.
