Many economists doubt the usefulness of foreign direct investment statistics for macroeconomic analysis. A new international standard, based on the restatement of intra-group loans, should soon come into force and provide more understandable data.

The international profits of the major French groups have substantially increased in recent years. Between 2008 and 2011, the proportion of profits generated by the foreign subsidiaries of France’s CAC 40 companies reached 60% of their aggregate net operating incomes, corresponding to a 10...

No abstract.

France’s direct investment flows drawn up according to the future international standards produce different results from those compiled using the current methodology. Inflows and outflows are on average EUR 30 billion lower from 1999 onwards and recent developments are signifi cantly altered.

In recent years, some of China’s leading firms have made headlines with their European expansion, by either opening new facilities or by acquiring or merging with significant enterprises in Europe. The goal of this paper is to contribute to the existing literature by examining Chinese...

Inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI) in France are affected by economic fluctuations, resulting in large variations from one year to the next. Inward FDI flows from emerging countries are still minor. However, a new geographical breakdown shows that French groups account for a significant...

This Selected Issues paper and Statistical Appendix reviews the factors behind developments in government revenue in Vietnam during 1996–2000. This period encompasses Vietnam’s continued transition to a market-based economy, the Asian financial crisis in 1997, and, toward the end,...

Despite repeated shocks, the United States economy has provided valuable support for global growth. Executive Directors commended this development, and stressed the need to tighten fiscal and monetary policies. They welcomed the assessment of the fiscal transparency Reports on Observance of...

This Selected Issues paper for Algeria analyzes the potential economic impact of Algeria’s Association Agreement with the European Union (AAEU). The paper lays out the major elements of Algeria’s AAEU and makes a comparison with other AAEUs. It discusses the potential economic...

Germany’s economic growth and recovery from the global crisis are explained in this study. Tax, education, and innovation policies are specific measures supported by the authorities. External and financial shocks received by Germany and other outward spillovers are outlined. Germany has a...