Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to show that foreign investment continues to play an important role in business activity across the globe. Understanding the main trends and reasons behind this increased activity is necessary in order to make effective business decisions on how to best engage in further global expansion. The positive benefits on employment and enterprise resulting from FDI will also be considered. A contrast will be made between Eastern and Western countries through an analysis of the main determinants of activities in these countries. The importance of country-specific legislation on the decision-making process will also be considered.Design/methodology/approach -The paper utilises a business history perspective, draws on theories of internationalism and uses investment data in order to explain investment behaviour. The paper then considers future possible trends in light of these recent developments.Findings -The evidence suggests that both Eastern and Western countries are now benefiting from high levels of foreign investment. Investment flows are influenced by political as well as economic factors. Legal factors and levels of corruption are also relevant. It appears that the investment flow is affected by a mix of these factors. So for instance, in relation to a country like China, despite its strong performance, corruption still limits the potential investment into this country. The internal issues need to be redressed in China as these directly affect investment. To this end, the Chinese government and private enterprise will have to take action which requires support by the establishment of international standards of patent protection. This will help China achieve the goal of becoming one of the largest centres for manufacturing in the world in a broad range of industries Practical implications -The paper provides a useful starting-point for explaining the pros and cons of either staying in the West or expanding into new emerging markets. In addition practitioners can appreciate the reasons behind issues of corruption and corporate governance as well as understanding how these need to be tackled.Originality/value -The paper draws on a business history perspective which is valuable for current firms that do not wish to underestimate the mistakes and misconceptions made in the past. The work is also useful to those organisations wishing to promote international trade in the most effective way.

Should we be more concerned about the foreign ownership of UK Brands? Is Britain making the most of its industrial brands? Much has been made of these questions and the recent contracting out of nuclear energy to China. This is only one of several examples of recent contracting out of activity. Indeed most rail franchises are now foreign owned and most electricity providers are also from mainland Europe. The process of selling off much industry has been taking place in the UK for many years and it has now gone much further than merely selling off the family silver. Recently in the House of Commons mention was made of the time that has now arrived to sell the fixtures and fittings. This paper sets out to explain the reasons why the UK has been willing to sell off many historic firms and assesses the consequences of this for future generations. The paper draws on theories of international marketing, corporate strategy and production to help explain the relevant thinking behind current policies. It also draws on case examples, relevant theory and data, in order to provide further evidence for future policy making, arguing that it still vitally important for the UK to undertake the strategic stewardship of its remaining brands.

Foreign investment continues to play a greater role in business activity across the globe. It is therefore important to assess the main trends and reasons behind this increased activity so that business can make effective decisions on how they wish to engage in further global expansion. The paper further explores the importance of country specific legislation in determining the decision whether to invest. FDI can also have positive benefits on employment and enterprise which will also be considered. This article sets out to contrast the investment flows taking place in both East and Western countries and considers the main determinants of activity in these countries. Theories of internationalisation will be drawn upon as well as the use of investment data in order to explain investment behaviour. A Business History perspective will also be drawn upon. The article then considers future possible trends in light of these recent developments.

The current slowdown in the USA Economy has led many to question whether this will have a knock on effect in destroying global growth. This paper looks at the channels of global growth in 2008 to see whether the above view may be justified. In addition the paper draws on theories of globalisation and growth to explain recent trade patterns and makes suggestions on where growth is heading in the future. Data is used from world Economic Indicators to support the main arguments. Comparative profiles are then made of the important country players in global business. The evidence would suggest that countries both East and West are being to converge in their policy making though in the short term the current favourable growth of Eastern countries such as India and China will play a large part in maintaining positive global growth. On the negative side in January 2008 there was stock market turbulence in all world markets indicating the high degree of interconnectivity existing around the world in todays business environment. Furthermore much of the slowdown in the USA has been attributed to defaults on loans financed from the global capital markets. This financial crisis has a knock on effect in world markets and was caused by the banking system rather originating from problems in emerging markets as had often occurred in the past. In some ways even if the USA reduces interest rates rapidly to stimulate growth as has been done in January 2008 it does not mean that credit will automatically become easier. The LIBOR Rate will remain high as long as global banks fear lending to those with high risk of default. House prices in the USA and shares in banks have fallen almost 20% over the last year according to Bloomburg March 2008.