From fDi Beyond Borders

Beyond Borders

The latest news and analysis on cross-border investment

By Jacopo Dettoni

Welcome everyone to a new episode of Beyond Borders. 

The UN Trade and Development has just published its latest World Investment Report. In an exclusive interview with fDi, director Nan Li Collins reflects on the new phase of "strategic globalisation" the world economy has entered. Li Collins also argues that the outlook on global investment is "negative" as disruption and volatility weigh on the minds of global investors. Investment in the digital economy is somewhat bucking the trend, although developing countries struggle to keep up and the digital divide risks are on the rise, Alex reports. 

Elsewhere, the Nippon Steel–US Steel saga is finally over. The White House bestowed its blessing on the deal, and Nippon agreed to give the US government a 'golden share' that gives it veto powers on strategic decisions, in what some experts characterise as an 'unprecedented' move, Danielle finds out. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia's ambitious special economic zones programme is facing a reality check as investors have yet to buy into its benefits over normal mainland licences, as Alex reports in the story below. 

Last but not least, there are still a couple of weeks to go for special economic zones to enter our Global Free Zones of the Year awards. Find here all the details to participate. 

That's it for this week. We love to hear from our readers, get in touch at jacopo.dettoni@ft.com.

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