Though predictable, the results are announced at an opportune time, just as the G8 summit at Gleneagles has concluded and the IMF and World Bank prepare to meet in Washington in late September. High on the agenda at both gatherings is the issue of development, mainly as it concerns parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America.
The issue is complex and multifaceted, and thus must any solutions be. But there are useful lessons on progress and development to be drawn from South Africa (for example, its political transformation) and Costa Rica (its impressive economic reforms).
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As for our Caribbean winner, Puerto Rico, it is difficult to compare it with many other locations in the region – its status as an American protectorate and quasi US state does put it in a different league. Because of this, some might grumble that it had an unfair advantage in the competition but the fact is that other Caribbean countries must compete with it nonetheless for regional FDI inflows. Here, too, the answer is to learn from and, where possible, mimic its success.
On a separate note, readers may notice that this is the first edition of fDi to carry a CD-ROM on its cover. The first in a series, it is co-produced by ACI Television and London International Television in association with the World Federation of Free Zones.
It includes short video profiles on Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Curaçao, Madagascar, and a group of residential, commercial, industrial and resort developments. It also introduces Invest in Denmark and The National Investment Promotion Inc of St Vincent & the Grenadines. We invite you to take a look.