Trade Horizons’ Market Entry Blog

n a resounding victory, Glasgow has secured its position as Europe's number one large city for attracting overseas investment. The prestigious accolade, bestowed by world-leading business experts at fDi Intelligence, places Glasgow ahead of formidable contenders such as Bilbao, Porto, Dusseldorf, and Gothenburg. A Strategic Triumph What sets Glasgow apart? It's not just the stunning architecture or the vibrant cultural scene. Rather, it's the city's unwavering commitment to strategic excellence. Glasgow's innovative approaches and remarkable ability to secure foreign investment have propelled it to the top spot. The city's partnerships between government, academia, businesses, and the community have been instrumental in creating an environment conducive to growth and prosperity.

1.     Unlocking Innovation: North Carolina's Thriving Tech Landscape In the heart of the American South lies a dynamic and rapidly evolving tech ecosystem: North Carolina. Known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant culture, this state has quietly transformed itself into a hub of innovation, drawing attention from entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors alike. The Research Triangle: Where Ideas Take Flight At the epicentre of North Carolina's tech revolution stands the Research Triangle Park (RTP)—a sprawling 7,000-acre expanse that bridges the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. RTP is more than just a physical location; it's a crucible of creativity where academia, industry, and government intersect. Here, world-class universities collaborate with Fortune 500 companies, startups, and research institutes. The result? A melting pot of ideas that fuels breakthroughs in fields ranging from biotechnology to artificial intelligence.

In the 21st century world the economic landscape is continually evolving. One of the most significant trends of recent years has been the surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries into Africa. This article explores this burgeoning economic relationship, shedding light on the motivations behind the investments, the sectors targeted, and the implications for both the GCC and Africa.

According to the UNCTAD's 2022 World Investment Report, FDI inflows to Pakistan stood at USD 2.1 billion in 2021, remaining stable compared to the previous year. The total stock of FDI reached USD 32.9 billion, equivalent to approximately 9.5% of Pakistan's GDP. The financial sector receives the highest FDI, followed by the chemicals industry and construction. China remains the dominant investor, but recently, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Japan have increased their investments. In FY 2022, Pakistan attracted FDI amounting to USD 1.86 billion, with significant inflows in energy, financial services, and oil and gas sectors. Chinese investment, despite a 29% decline due to slowdown in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, remained consistent. The U.S. and Switzerland were also notable investors. Pakistan's attractiveness for investment is gradually improving, although challenges such as security concerns, electricity shortages, and a cumbersome investment climate persist. It ranks lower than neighbouring India but on par with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in terms of investment potential. Foreign investors (except Indian and Israeli citizens/businesses) can establish, own, operate, and dispose of interests in most types of businesses in Pakistan, subject to certain restrictions.

As the global economy interlaces nations and markets, two states emerge as beacons of prosperity: Texas and Florida. These sun-kissed lands, each with its unique allure, beckon investors, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. In this article, we delve into their success stories, dissecting the strategies that have propelled them to the forefront of FDI. From the sprawling plains of Texas to the vibrant shores of Florida, let's embark on a journey where trade meets tenacity, and borders blur into opportunity.