Definition of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

By: EconomyWatch   Date: 30 June 2010

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Foreign Direct Investment, or FDI, is a type of investment that involves the injection of foreign funds into an enterprise that operates in a different country of origin from the investor.

Investors are granted management and voting rights if the level of ownership is greater than or equal to 10% of ordinary shares. Shares ownership amounting to less that the stated amount is termed portfolio investment and is not categorized as FDI.

This does not include foreign investments in stock markets. Instead, FDI refers more specifically to the investment of foreign assets into domestic goods and services. FDIs are generally favored over equity investments which tend to flow out of an economy at the first sign of trouble which leaves countries more susceptible to shocks in their money markets.

Classifications of Foreign Direct Investment

FDIs can be classified as;

  • Inward FDI and Outward FDI, depending on the direction of flow of money.

Inward FDI occurs when foreign capital is invested in local resources. The factors propelling the growth of inward FDI include tax breaks, low interest rates and grants. Outward FDI, also referred to as "direct investment abroad", is backed by the government against all associated risk.

 

 

 

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