IBM-Plant Location International’s Global Location Trends Report 2010 is now available online at www.ibm.com/gbs/pli. The analysis of 2009 activity shows that China remains a top destination for foreign direct investment — Shanghai ranks second in global cities attracting FDI, up from fourth in 2008. But it is an increasingly important outward investor, as well.
“China is quickly transforming into a key player in the global investment arena,” says Roel Spee, IBM-PLI’s Global Director and chief architect of the annual report. “Besides its prominent role as attractive destination for foreign companies looking for a cost-effective manufacturing base, it is quickly increasing its strengths as a services destination as well, thus becoming a more diversified investment destination.
“Simultaneously,” adds Spee, “China is quickly developing into a key outward investing economy, not only by acquiring companies in overseas markets, but also by establishing new greenfield operations in the larger consumer markets, notably western Europe and North America. Our expectation is that China will quickly grow to be one of the leading investors globally, next to the U.S., Germany and Japan.”
— Mark Arend