The World Investment Report 2008 presents the latest data on foreign direct investment (FDI) and traces global and regional trends in FDI and in international production by transnational corporations (TNCs). This year's report puts a special focus on the role of TNCs in meeting the huge needs of developing countries for infrastructure such as roads, ports, water, gas and electricity supply, and telecommunications. Drawing on unique data, this year, the Report examines the universe of the largest TNCs investing in infrastructure industries and the increasing role of TNCs from the South in contributing to infrastructure in other developing economies. The Report explores how the participation of TNCs brings benefits, but also entails risks and costs. It considers how the mix of public and private (including TNC) involvement can help spur foreign investment and knowledge transfer to countries that need such inflows.

The World Investment Report 2008 presents the latest data on foreign direct investment (FDI) and traces global and regional trends in FDI and in international production by transnational corporations (TNCs). This year's report puts a special focus on the role of TNCs in meeting the huge needs of developing countries for infrastructure such as roads, ports, water, gas and electricity supply, and telecommunications. Drawing on unique data, this year, the Report examines the universe of the largest TNCs investing in infrastructure industries and the increasing role of TNCs from the South in contributing to infrastructure in other developing economies. The Report explores how the participation of TNCs brings benefits, but also entails risks and costs. It considers how the mix of public and private (including TNC) involvement can help spur foreign investment and knowledge transfer to countries that need such inflows.

Executive Summary : This note highlights soem findings presented in the World Investment Report 2008: Transnational Corporations and the Infrastructure challenge.

This annual report is widely regarded as the most authoritative source of data and analysis on the trends of foreign direct investment and developments in related national and international policy. Every issue of the report comprises an analysis of the trends in foreign direct investment during the previous year; with special emphasis on the development implications. It also provides a ranking of the largest transnational corporations in the world, in-depth analysis of a specific topic related to foreign direct investment, policy analysis and recommendations, and a statistical annex with data on foreign direct investment flows and stocks for nearly 200 economies. The 2012 edition presents a comprehensive investment policy framework for sustainable development, covering both its national and international dimensions

This volume offers a wide-reaching exploration of foreign direct investment and developmental impacts through case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Central Europe, also examining the role of 'new players' such as Chinese, Indian and South African TNCs.