Brazil attracted more than one-third of FDI in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2011, according to The fDi Report 2012, released by fDi Intelligence. While Argentina recorded the fastest growth in inward FDI in 2011, Brazil dominated FDI in the region, attracting 491 projects; 36% of the total number in Latin America and the Caribbean. The number of FDI projects in Brazil grew by 38% in 2011 – the fastest growth recorded by any of the world’s largest economies – and was the highest absolute number ever recorded in Brazil since greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets began recording FDI data in 2003.

Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean saw a growth in FDI projects in 2011, with the region as a whole increasing its global share of FDI to 10%, from 9% in 2010 and only 5% in 2006. Latin American and the Caribbean FDI overseas slowed down in 2011. The number of FDI projects established overseas by Latin American and Caribbean companies fell by 6%, compared with 10% growth in 2010. Brazil is the leading outward investor from the region, followed by Mexico, Chile and Bermuda. Outward FDI from Mexico did not grow in 2011, while Chile saw a 16% growth in overseas FDI projects. Financial services company Banco Falabella was the leading outward investor from Chile, accounting for 26% of all outward investment projects from the country, all of which entered the Colombian market.