FDI flows to Armenia soared by 70% last year to $150 million, up from $88 million in 2001. Since 1998, flows have been dominated by investment from developed countries, particularly the EU and North America. Most of these flows are channelled into the tertiary sector.
Uzbekistan, by contrast, registered a dramatic slump in 2002, with flows plummeting to $65 million from a $570 million peak in 2001. Most of this FDI is concentrated in the primary sector, particularly in mining. FDI flows as a percentage of gross fixed capital formation shot up significantly in 2001 as a result of a steep rise in inflows.
Elsewhere in Europe, FDI to Malta has been declining since 1999, when inflows reached a record level of $815 million. Due to capital withdrawals in the banking industry, there was a net disinvestment last year. Outflows were also negative, as they have been since 1995, when data were first compiled. The important role played by FDI in the Maltese economy is reflected in the ratio of inward FDI stock to GDP, which rose to almost 70% in 2000 and 2001.
FDI flows to Samoa were up by 13% in 2002, from $1.15 million in 2001 to $1.3 million. Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and the United States were the major investors.
Tonga also saw an increase in flows last year - 140% -- to $2.4 million, up from $1 million in 2001. Australia, New Zealand and the United States were the largest investors.
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 FDI and the operations of TNCs. They include statistical definitions and sources, a listing of relevant national laws and regulations, information on bilateral and multilateral agreements and a bibliography.
For more information, visit the Division on Investment, Technology and Enterprise Development website
