Foreign direct investment : theory, empirical evidence and policy implications ; 1st INFER Workshop on International Economics, May 2003

FDI remains the main driver of the expansion of the international production system. Forging linkages between foreign affiliates and domestic firms is a main challenge for policy-makers in developing countries in order to benefit from FDI as much as possible. The objective of FDI is to leverage the competitive capabilities of domestic enterprises. Fostering linkages is an important means of diffusing knowledge, information and skills from a foreign investor. In a technology and skill driven world, this can contribute to increasing the efficiency and growth potential of the host economy. Such benefits can be enhanced through appropriate policies. Therefore, governments can play an important role in creating the conditions that attract FDI