Latest news with #UNCTAD
Free Malaysia Today
2 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Global investment decline may worsen due to tariffs, warns UN trade agency
UNCTAD secretary-general Rebeca Grynspan said investment that has a real impact on jobs and infrastructure is going down. (EPA Images pic) GENEVA : Global foreign direct investment (FDI) fell for the second consecutive year in 2024, with fears this year could be even worse as trade tensions rock investor confidence, the UN agency for trade and development said in a report published today. FDI transactions, which do not include several European conduit economies, declined by 11%, indicating a significant reduction in actual productive investment activity, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Geopolitical tensions and trade fragmentation contributed to lower investment last year as they created uncertainty, which UNCTAD secretary-general Rebeca Grynspan described as a 'poison' for investor confidence. 'We are even more worried about the picture in 2025…we already feel that investment is halted…tariffs are affecting growth,' Grynspan told Reuters, with short-term risk management being prioritised over long-term investment. UNCTAD said its outlook for international investment in 2025 was negative due to trade tensions. Early data for the first quarter of 2025 shows record low deal and project activity. When several European conduit economies – which act as intermediary hubs where investments temporarily pass through before reaching their final destinations – are included, the data showed that FDI increased by 4% to US$1.5 trillion. However, UNCTAD noted that this figure masks the reality that much of this investment is merely passing through these jurisdictions and was not productive. 'We see a very worrying tendency…Investment that has a real impact on jobs and infrastructure is going down,' she said. Developed economies suffered a sharp drop in investment, with a 58% decrease in Europe. North America, however, observed a 23% increase in FDI, led by the US, while countries in Southeast Asia reached the second-highest level of FDI on record with a 10% rise, representing US$225 billion. Though capital inflows in developing countries were broadly stable, UNCTAD observed that capital was not being injected into crucial job-creating sectors such as infrastructure, energy and technology.
Scoop
6 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
World News In Brief: Global Investment Plunges, Hurricane Season In Haiti, Rising Cholera And Hunger In South Sudan
19 June 2025 Their latest data shows that the outlook for international investment this year 'is negative', a sharp course correction from January, when 'modest' growth seemed possible. The reasons for this range from trade tensions and tariffs whose main effect has been a 'dramatic increase in investor uncertainty', said UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. She said that investment in renewable energy, water and sanitation fell by some 30 per cent and that agriculture saw a 19 per cent drop in investor confidence. Only the health sector saw an increase of nearly 20 per cent, Ms. Grynspan said, although that only accounts for 'less than $15 billion globally'. 'Very real consequences' 'Behind those numbers are very real consequences. Jobs not created,' she said. 'Infrastructure not built, sustainable development delayed. What we see here is not just a downturn. It is a pattern.' Ms. Grynspan also cited 'growing geopolitical tensions' in addition to rising trade barriers around the world as reasons for the fall in global investment for development. In critical sectors as hi-tech industries and rare earth minerals, governments are also tightening screening measures on proposed foreign investment, the UN agency noted. Supplies to limit hurricane impact in Haiti critically low The Humanitarian Country Team in Haiti warned Wednesday that funding and pre-positioned contingency supplies are critically low ahead of what is forecast to be an above-average hurricane season. Haiti is highly vulnerable to extreme weather, with 96 per cent of the population at risk. Forecasts project 12 to 19 tropical storms and up to five major hurricanes this year. The alert comes as the fragile island nation grapples with a worsening humanitarian crisis. Armed gangs control much of the country, the collapse of essential services and growing displacement have left 5.7 million people food insecure, 1.3 million displaced and 230,000 living in makeshift shelters ill-equipped to withstand severe weather. Limited preparations Humanitarian actors have pre-positioned limited stocks of essential items, but they are at a record low for a hurricane season posing such high risk. For the first time, Haiti will begin the hurricane season without pre-positioned food supplies or the financial resources necessary to initiate a rapid response. Meanwhile, UN Humanitarian Office (OCHA) is coordinating missions with UN agencies and partners to assess how to safely resume aid operations in high-need areas, following their suspension on 26 May due to insecurity. 'I am deeply concerned for communities, families, and vulnerable groups who have already been affected by violence and are living in precarious conditions,' said Ulrika Richardson, Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti, calling for immediate support. As of mid-June, the $908 million Humanitarian Response Plan for Haiti is just 8 per cent funded. Worsening cholera and hunger in South Sudan OCHA raised the alarm on Thursday over rising malnutrition and cholera cases in war-torn South Sudan. An estimated 2.3 million children under five urgently need treatment for acute malnutrition, a 10 per cent increase since last July. This crisis is unfolding amid the world's most severe cholera outbreak this year, with almost 74,000 cases and at least 1,362 deaths reported as of 16 June. The start of the rainy season and waning immunity risk a significant surge in infections. UN response The 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for South Sudan is only 20 per cent funded. Despite limited resources and many challenges, the UN and partners have scaled up efforts, delivering vaccines and life-saving aid to contain the disease and protect the most vulnerable. 'This dire situation is a stark reminder that we need funding urgently to expand food assistance, to expand nutrition and expand health services to those who need it the most,' said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the daily briefing in New York.
Arabian Business
6 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE sees $45.6bn foreign direct investment in 2024, targets massive $354bn inflow
The UAE has been named the world's 10th largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, drawing in AED167.6bn ($45.6bn) in inflows, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2025. This marks a 48 per cent increase year-on-year, cementing the country's status as a global magnet for capital, particularly across strategic sectors. The UAE also accounted for 37 per cent of all FDI inflows into the Middle East region in 2024. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai said: 'In an international vote of confidence in the UAE's economy, the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) revealed that the UAE attracted AED167b ($45bn) in foreign direct investment over the past year, marking a 48 per cent growth compared to the previous year.' UAE foreign direct investment 'The UAE accounted for 37 per cent of all foreign direct investment inflows into the region. Out of every $100 invested in the region, $37 comes to the UAE. The country also ranked second globally, after the United States, in the number of newly announced foreign direct investment projects. 'Our next goal is to attract AED1.3tn ($354bn) in foreign direct investment over the next six years. 'Our foundation is strong, our future is promising, and our focus on our goals is crystal clear. Our message is simple: development is the key to stability, and the economy is the most important policy.' The UAE also ranked second globally—after the United States—for the number of newly announced greenfield FDI projects, with 1,369 new initiatives valued at AED53.3bn ($14.5bn). In contrast to a global slowdown in greenfield project growth (0.8 per cent), the UAE achieved 2.8 per cent growth. The top sectors for greenfield FDI in 2024 included: Software and IT services: 11.5 per cent Business services: 9.7 per cent Renewable energy: 9.3 per cent Oil, gas, and coal: 9 per cent Real estate: 7.8 per cent The energy sector alone attracted AED4.8bn ($1.3bn), supporting the UAE's target to triple renewable capacity by 2030. The UAE's cumulative FDI stock reached $270.6bn in 2024, driven by a 10.5 per cent compound annual growth rate since 2015, when inflows stood at AED31.6bn ($8.6bn). Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Minister of Investment, said: 'Recording this unprecedented level of FDI inflows to the UAE is an achievement that reflects the strategic choices made by our wise leadership and its long-term vision to establish the UAE as a leading global investment destination. 'The Ministry of Investment is committed to developing a comprehensive regulatory and legislative framework aligned with our national priorities, meeting investors' needs, and providing a competitive business environment that attracts global capital. 'The UAE's investment ecosystem has become a global model, thanks to its stability, transparency, trade openness, and ease of doing business. Through the National Investment Strategy 2031, we continue to set ambitious goals to cement the UAE's position as a leading global FDI destination. 'We provide a clear pathway to drive sustainable growth, double investment opportunities, diversify priority sectors, and open new horizons for global companies seeking innovation and expansion in future markets.' The National Investment Strategy targets AED2.2tn ($599bn) in cumulative FDI by 2031, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, financial services and information technology. The United Arab Emirates investment climate is bolstered by: Full foreign ownership in mainland companies A competitive 9 per cent corporate tax rate Streamlined licensing processes Legal frameworks like the Dubai International Arbitration Centre Its global appeal is reinforced by 21 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements and 120 bilateral investment treaties. In talent attraction, the United Arab Emirates ranks fifth globally (INSEAD's Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2024) and third in attracting AI talent (Stanford University's AI Index 2024).
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
FDI Inflows: India up at 15th spot in UNCTAD ranking
India's FDI ranking improved to 15th globally in 2024, despite a slight dip in inflows to $27.6 billion. The nation remains the top recipient in South Asia and a leading destination for greenfield projects, particularly in digital services, attracting $54 billion between 2020 and 2024. Semiconductor and basic metals projects are driving manufacturing activity. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads New Delhi: India climbed one spot to rank 15th among the world's top destinations for foreign direct investment FDI ) in 2024, despite a slight 1.9% year-on-year decline in inflows to $27.6 billion, according to the World Investment Report 2025 released by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Thursday. In comparison, the country ranked 16th in 2023 with $28.1 billion in FDI."While flows to India experienced a small decline, it remained the dominant recipient in the subregion (South Asia), accounting for the vast majority of inflows," the report said. South Asia received $24.1 billion in US was the top recipient at $279 billion, followed by Singapore ($143 billion), Hong Kong, China ($126 billion) and China ($116 billion).Globally, FDI fell by 11% to $1.5 trillion in 2024, with a 4% headline increase largely driven by volatile financial flows, according to the also recorded a surge in greenfield project announcements to 1,080 in 2024, placing it fourth globally. The country was among the top five nations in securing international project finance deals at 97. "Countries such as India, Malaysia and Vietnam have enhanced their appeal as manufacturing hubs, bolstered by trade shifts and industrial policies," the report position also improved in FDI outflows, rising to 18th globally with investments totalling $23.8 billion in 2024. In terms of digital services, India led greenfield investment in the Global South between 2020 and 2024, attracting $54 billion. Next was Singapore with $12 billion investment, followed by Brazil, Malaysia and highlighted the rapid expansion of the digital economy, which is growing at an annual rate of 10-12%, faster than the global GDP growth and increasingly driving value 2020-24, developing countries received $531 billion in greenfield digital economy projects, with India receiving the largest share. Investment was concentrated, with 10 economies accounting for around 80% of the US emerged as the top source, contributing 36% of all greenfield projects in digital investments in developing project announcements in supply chain-intensive sectors, including electronics, automotive, machinery and textiles, held steady, the report said. While the semiconductor industry recorded few megaproject announcements, four of the 10 largest were in this sector, including one in India."In India, semiconductor and basic metals projects contributed to the rise in manufacturing activity," the report said.
See - Sada Elbalad
9 hours ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Hosts UNCTAD Launch as Africa Sees FDI Rebound
H-Tayea The Government of Egypt and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) jointly launched the World Investment Report 2025 in Cairo today, spotlighting global foreign direct investment (FDI) trends and Egypt's rising role as a regional investment hub. The annual report, considered the leading global benchmark on FDI flows and policies, showed global FDI rose 4% in 2024 to $1.5 trillion. However, this apparent growth was inflated by volatile flows through conduit economies. Excluding those, FDI actually declined 11%, marking the second year of contraction amid growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty. UNCTAD warned of a negative global investment outlook for 2025, highlighting a sharp drop of 25–33% in SDG-related investment in developing countries — particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, water, and food systems. Only the health sector showed modest growth. One of the report's key themes this year is the digital economy. Investment in data centers and fintech is growing fast, but remains highly concentrated in a few regions, reinforcing the global digital divide. Africa saw a strong rebound in FDI, rising 75% to $97 billion. Egypt led this recovery, accounting for the continent's highest inflows, driven by the landmark Ras El-Hekma urban development megaproject and major infrastructure investments. Egypt doubled its project-finance commitments and defied a regional decline in greenfield projects, making it a standout performer in Africa. The country also climbed dramatically in global rankings, rising from 32nd to 9th among the world's top FDI recipients in 2024. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, said Egypt's performance reflects its focus on exports, industry, and private-sector-led growth: "Egypt's consistent presence on the investment map highlights our ongoing structural reforms designed to foster productivity, job creation, and quality growth." Eng. Hassan Elkhatib, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, emphasized policy clarity and investor confidence: "Egypt is creating a transparent, competitive business climate, turning the country into a hub for investment and global connectivity." UNCTAD's Investment Research Director, Richard Bolwijn, stressed the importance of international cooperation to support sustainable investment in developing economies. The launch event included a technical briefing on the report's findings and a panel discussion with international stakeholders from the private sector, academia, and multilateral organizations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
