The rising price of labour is one reason for the decline in automotive manufacturing in the UK in recent years, but this has not stopped Japanese car manufacturer Toyota from increasing its operations in the country. UK deputy managing director Tony Walker explains why such labour costs should not stop the UK from being a successful car producing country.

Derby was one of the key cities in the UK during the Industrial Revolution, and that spirit has remained as it has set itself as one of the country's hubs for high-tech industries such as automotives and gaming.

The Belgian region of Wallonia has set itself a target of becoming Europe's most attractive logistics hub by 2020. While this may appear a little ambitious, large companies are increasingly investing in the area, drawn to its pro-business environment, highly skilled workforce and excellent links to the rest of Europe.

The agri-food business has acquired a mixed reputation over the past few years, with many in emerging markets claiming that the demands placed upon it are unrealistic. However, the issue of feeding the world's growing population is not going to go away, and those well placed to meet these demands will be the ones to profit.

Malaysia's excellent economic performance in recent years has come on the back of its Economic Transformation Programme. Its prime minister and finance minister Dato’ Sri Abdul Tun Najib Razak tells Barbara Njau how the programme has helped diversify the country's economy, which has continued to thrive while much of the rest of the world has struggled.

The Italian region of Tuscany's rich heritage means that its name is still synonymous with great minds such as Galileo Galilei and Leonardo da Vinci. Such a history of innovation is something the region continues to pride itself upon, and this quality is not lost upon the many foreign companies that have set up shop within its boundaries.

The close relationship between industry and research and education institutions in Tuscany gives the region an edge when it comes to R&D and innovation.