Asia-Pacific was the top ranking region in terms of inward FDI in 2012, despite a contraction in project numbers.

While the US continues to take the lion’s share of investment and projects in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, locations in Asia and Europe are increasingly attracting the attention of investors. 

With destinations competing to attract foreign investment, some are attempting to get ahead of the competition by positioning themselves as hubs for design and innovation. 

As animosity between North America and China grows, North America is being increasingly protectionist in its FDI policies, which Chinese investors are rebuffing with claims that they lack clarity and transparency.

For more than a decade, China’s involvement in Africa has brought financial gain to both regions. But how will this relationship develop as China looks to shift away from being an export-led economy?

With its investment opportunities almost as numerous as its islands, Indonesia has attracted a significant number of global corporations in the past few years. With no sign of its appeal waning, and a thriving tourism sector to boot, the country is now having to deal with a growing infrastructure deficit.

Long overlooked because of its remote location, the Chinese city of Urumqi is starting to benefit from a government initiative aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the country's untapped western regions. Will investment in its infrastructure and transport links pay off?

Thailand's hotel and tourism industry has gone from strength to strength over the past half century and locally owned Dusit International has been well placed to take advantage of this. Opened in 1948, it has evolved from a Bangkok boutique to an international hotel chain catering for the growing number of people travelling both into and out of south-east Asia.

Hong Kong’s secretary for education, Eddie Ng Hak-kim, tells fDi that he is tackling the fallout from the global recession at the grassroots level, ensuring that the special administrative region produces graduates who can serve global markets.

Today, global growth depends on the fate of the eurozone debt crisis, US stagnation and Chinese recovery. The interplay of these triangular FDI flows and the rise of Chinese investment have the potential to make or break global growth in 2013.