According to the recently published World Investment Report 2019, Belarus is positively distinguished from other countries of the region on FDI inflow.

On June 12, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published annual World Investment Report. According to UNCTAD, despite general negative dynamics in the region, FDI inflow to Belarus grew by 15% and amounted to $1.469 bln. Belarus is favourably distinguished from other countries of the region by keeping positive dynamics against the background of the general decrease in FDI inflow to all CIS countries, except Armenia, Moldova, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. FDI inflow by stock to Belarus in 2018 amounted to $20.76 bln. in comparison with $9.9 bln. in 2010 and $1.3 bln. in 2000.

UNCTAD does not distinguish any particular reasons of decrease in FDI inflow to transition economies, but notices it was withdrawal of funds from offshores of the Russian companies, as well as cautious forecasts of international organizations concerning growth of economy in the region that played significant role.
   
Based on the available data on inflow of investments in the 1st quarter of 2019 and also the number of the transactions on cross-border M&A planned for 2019, UNCTAD expects "reserved and partial restoration of FDI inflow growth" to transition economies and predicts their growth from $34.2 bln. to $40-50 bln. At the same time, last year UNCTAD made similar optimistic forecast, which did not come true.

As for general trends, global decrease in investment activity continued in 2018, which is confirmed by decline of world FDI inflow by 13% to $1.3 trillion. According to UNCTAD, the major factor which influenced decrease in FDI was a large-scale repatriation of the accrued foreign income by the American companies in the first half of 2018, which was undertaken after the tax reforms in the USA in 2017.

FDI inflow to developed econimies was reduced by 27 percent to $554 bln. (the lowest level since 2004) due to almost double decrease (to $172 bln.) of FDI inflow to the European countries, in particular to Great Britain. FDI inflow to developing countries grew by 2% up to $706 bln. that made 54% of all world FDI. 

Despite the decrease in FDI inflow by 9%, the USA is still in the lead in the list of FDI recipients, followed by China, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Netherlands.

You can see the full by following this link.

Image: UNCTAD