FDI to and from Iceland increased in 2001, bucking the worldwide downward trend, with inflows up by more than 20% and outflows up 10%. Outward stock is 17 times higher than it was a decade ago.
In Switzerland, by contrast, both inflows and outflows declined in 2001, by more than half. Outward stock has quadrupled over the past decade, with a slight increase in the share of outflows to Central and Eastern Europe in recent years.
In fiscal 2002, FDI to New Zealand was down to late-1980s levels, following a period of rising inflows. Australia continues to be the main investor, followed by the UK and the US.
Flows to Denmark in 2002 dropped as well, to levels comparable to those of the late 1990s, following a peak in 2000. Over the past decade, however, FDI stock increased sixfold. The US has now overtaken Sweden as the country´s single largest investor.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, FDI flows soared by 70% in 1999, to $150 million, although this is one of the lowest levels in Central and Eastern Europe. FDI still also plays a modest role in Ukraine, where inflows resumed their upward trend in 2000 to reach $790 million by 2001. This recovery represents a threefold increase over 1995 levels.
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.
