Why are profit margins among unlisted Chinese and Russian firms so low, particularly when compared with those of fellow BRIC economies India and Brazil? A study from the Institute for Emerging Market Studies highlights the perils of moving from a communist to a market economy.

As the capacity for embassies and diplomats to target and attract investment grows, countries are becoming increasingly eager to restructure their operations in a bid to best utilise these new promotional agents.

Chengdu is leading western China's investment charge, and Hui Bao, chairman of the Chengdu Overseas Exchanges Association and a member of Chengdu Municipal Committee, says that the growth of the city and its surrounding area is where China's focus now lies.

The aftermath of the global financial crisis has seen the rapid growth of China's large eastern cities slow. This has caused attention to increasingly turn towards inland areas of the country, and chief among them is the city of Chengdu. Barbara Njau reports on why this south-western centre is attracting more and more FDI attention.

The Chengdu government's long-term focus on the high-tech industries appears to be paying off, as its technology parks are attracting international names brought in by the city's pro-business attitude and deep talent pool.