Assessment of Investment Attractiveness of Regional Industries in the Context of Green Development

Abstract

Considering current trends in the development of green economy and introduction of ESG-principles, the issues of investment attractiveness of enterprises, industries and regions are gaining attention. The literature review has shown that not all available methodologies for assessing regional investment attractiveness take into account the determinants of negative anthropogenic impacts on the environment. The present study aims to assess the investment appeal of the basic industries of the East Kazakhstan region in the context of green development and outline ways to attract more green investment in the region. The research methodology involves comparing the indicators of investment attractiveness of regional basic industries with their green attractiveness, characterised by investment in environmental protection. Additionally, a decoupling index was included in the model in order to examine a possible mismatch between the economic growth of regional industries and their pollution rates. Official statistical data for 2015-2019 were analysed. The study concluded that manufacturing is the only industry with a high green attractiveness, although it has a medium investment attractiveness. Given the need for industrialisation and diversification of the economy in East Kazakhstan, local authorities are recommended to focus on improving the investment climate in this sector. Agriculture and construction have high investment attractiveness, while mining and electricity supply are characterised by above average attractiveness. However, all these sectors remain unattractive in terms of environmental investment. To increase green attractiveness of the aforementioned industries, the study suggests to develop an effective mechanism for financing green projects, as well as to apply government regulation tools aimed at improving the efficiency of environmental investment. Further research may be related to the substantiation of such regulatory measures.