The Czech Republic had the best rate of FDI inflow growth in 2010, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad).

FDI into the country was up more than threefold in the year, from $2.7bn in 2009 to $8.2bn in 2010. Unctad's FDI figures include mergers and acquisitions and other types of equity investments as well as greenfield projects.

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While overall it was a poor year for Europe, with combined FDI growth in the region down 21.9%, there were a few bright spots along with the Czech Republic, including Austria (78.8%), Belgium (49.5%) Portugal (17.8%) and Sweden (11.6%).

The poorest showing was from Ireland, where FDI declined by 66.3%, most likely a result of its financial turmoil. Other countries that had a difficult year include Luxembourg (-55.7%), Greece (-38.3%) and Italy (-35.5%).

The results seem to be more associated with fiscal and economic strength, rather than a country’s geography.

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