As the EU imposes an oil embargo on Iran and the screws tighten on neighbouring Syria, foreign companies doing business with the affected countries are scrambling to stay on the right side of the law while hedging against their losses. 

Across central Asia, from China to Kazakhstan, economies are set to benefit from the re-opening of trade routes along the historic Silk Road. Significant investment has already been made to improve the infrastructure along the route, but further investment, more cohesion between the central Asian countries involved and more politically stability in the region as a whole is needed if this great passageway between Asia and Europe is to return to its former glory.
 

The special economic zone status introduced by then Communist Party of China leader Deng Xiaoping transformed the modest village of Shenzhen into one of the wealthiest cities in China, leading to the SEZ framework being introduced across the country. However, as China's changing social landscape results in increases in the minimum wage and higher expectations among its younger generations, SEZs are at a critical juncture.

Political tensions have long kept Fiji off the investment map, making it difficult for the country to capitalise on its natural beauty and its bountiful resources. But with martial law lifted at the beginning of 2012 and the promise of free elections in the coming years, can Fiji convince the rest of the world that it is finally a safe place to invest?

While South Korean firms have profited greatly from making investments abroad, the country's GDP is failing to reflect their success. If the domestic economy is to grow in the same way as the large conglomerates, the South Korean government must look to close the gap between investments going in and out of the country by attracting more FDI.

From tourism to mining, Fiji’s prime minister, Commodore Josaia 'Frank' Voreqe Bainimarama, outlines where he sees Fiji’s investment future, and explains how the island's attributes and location could see it become the central business destination within the south Pacific.

Olam International – a Singaporean agricultural products and food ingredients company – is reaping the rewards of its global expansion, which has largely focused on Asia and Africa. But while it has recently revised upwards its long-term net profit forecast, food price volatility, poor weather and its large debts are potential hazards in the horizon.