Australia a Top 10 destination for foreign investment

Australia has remained one of the top 10 global destinations for foreign direct investment (FDI) for three consecutive years, according to the UN Conference on Trade and Development’s (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2014.

Over the three years to 2013, Australia attracted a total of US$171 billion in FDI flows, up nearly 55 per cent from US$110 billion over the previous three years. This impressive growth has raised Australia’s share of global FDI inflows to 3.8 per cent in 2011-13 from 2.5 per cent in 2008-10.

In contrast, developed economies’ share of world FDI inflows fell to 44 per cent in 2011-13 from 53 per cent in 2008-10.

Australia’s strong performance reflects a competitive position in the global economy. The country’s robust economy, strategic location, strong global trade and investment ties, and proven track record of innovation position Australia as an attractive investment destination. Australia was the ninth largest recipient of FDI inflows in the world in 2013. The total value of Australia’s FDI inflows stood at US$50 billion in 2013, significantly larger than the pre-crisis annual average (2005-07) of US$17 billion. Australia’s flows accounted for 3.8 per cent of global FDI inflows in 2013.

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