Recent Trends in Global FDI Flows: Implications for the 21st Century

Abstract

This paper examines recent global trends of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows and the benefits derivable by the recipient countries. Some of The developed countries of the West, Japan and China are the greatest recipients of FDI flows. There has been dramatic increase in FDI flows to developing countries in Asia, Latin America and the transition countries in Europe. In general developing countries are still unable to attract significant FDI. Africa’s share of the FDI flows though slightly on the increase has been abysmally low. The identifiable reasons for this trend were highlighted. To achieve a more balance flow of FDI in the 21st century, a concerted effort should be made by international organizations, leading world government, multinational enterprises and governments of developing economies, through dialogue and negotiations to encourage multinational enterprises to diversify their investments across developing economies otherwise marginalized by globalization and liberalization.