Peter Green’s Post

Scotland urged to fast-track investment zones and freeports amid foreign investment dip Specialist business lawyers Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP have analysed industry data, indicating a significant drop in overseas investment activity targeting Scottish firms. In 2023, only 23 Scottish businesses were subject to overseas deals, compared to 36 in 2022. The research says foreign investment in the UK is increasingly concentrated in London and the South East, with these areas accounting for 42 per cent of deals in 2023, up from 35 per cent in 2019. Fraser Gillies , managing partner at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie, said: “This new research highlights that investment activity in the traditional FDI hotbed in the south-east of England has increased, whilst in Scotland, deal activity has been rising steadily over the last five years but reduced in the most recent 12 months. “Government initiatives such as freeports and investment zones could be a game-changer for providing favourable conditions for UK-based businesses, attracting more interest and investment from abroad, and levelling up the economy" https://lnkd.in/e9XStd-u #freeports #maritime #ports Scottish Maritime Cluster #ISeaSMEs #investment

Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP is calling for accelerated progress on investment zones and freeports to bolster economic growth, after its analysis showed a concerning downturn of foreign interest in Scottish businesses. Fraser Gillies #freeports #greenfreeports #scottishbusiness #scottishfinancialnews

A positive shift toward facilitating foreign direct investment in NZ. Easing entry requirements, this approach could drive increased foreign investment, benefiting New Zealand’s economy through enhanced capital inflows, job creation, and the development of key infrastructure sectors. 👏

Foreign investors will soon find it much easier to invest in businesses and land in New Zealand, with the Government’s commitment late last week to reform the Overseas Investment Act 2005 (#OIA). See our note below for a summary. The reform proposes to be significant: moving away from a regime that requires foreign investors to show how their investment will benefit New Zealand, towards a more permissive, risk-based approach. In Hon. Minister Seymour’s words, New Zealand should move to a position where “[Y]ou can invest in New Zealand if you've got a willing buyer, a willing seller, and there are no dangers to New Zealand's interests”. From our experts Amanda Spratt, Holly Hill, David Gilbert, Andrew Monteith, Igor Drinkovic

In Spain, foreign direct investments have been subject to increasing scrutiny since 2020. Our 2024 FDI Review discusses recent restrictions to the foreign investment regime in Spain. Read it here: https://ow.ly/NXtF50Rbi63 #FDI #Investment

In Spain, foreign direct investments have been subject to increasing scrutiny since 2020. Our 2024 FDI Review discusses recent restrictions to the foreign investment regime in Spain. Read it here: https://ow.ly/jlOa50RbxuF #FDI #Investment

In Spain, foreign direct investments have been subject to increasing scrutiny since 2020. Our 2024 FDI Review discusses recent restrictions to the foreign investment regime in Spain. Read it here: https://ow.ly/jqKy50RbjYr #FDI #Investment

In Spain, foreign direct investments have been subject to increasing scrutiny since 2020. Our 2024 FDI Review discusses recent restrictions to the foreign investment regime in Spain. Read it here: https://ow.ly/Uil250Rbh74 #FDI #Investment

In Spain, foreign direct investments have been subject to increasing scrutiny since 2020. Our 2024 FDI Review discusses recent restrictions to the foreign investment regime in Spain. Read it here: https://ow.ly/OjxZ50RcT1M #FDI #Investment

Yet more regulatory changes set for 2025, with Foreign Direct Investment getting a review. The stated premise is a simple one: "[Y]ou can invest in New Zealand if you've got a willing buyer, a willing seller, and there are no dangers to New Zealand's interests”. While the details are yet to come out and consultation occur, the effect of a move to a more risk-based model should be most felt in sensitive land purchases where currently benefits to New Zealand must be shown. This change has the promise of making it easier to attract foreign investment not just at the outset, but just as importantly on exit. A significant problem for the current regime, particularly for infrastructure projects where once benefits are realised they are hard to improve upon, has been the risk of a new buyer not being able to show benefits. This jeopardises an investor’s exit and therefore may make them question investing in the first place. However the exact changes come through, the chance to holistically review the FDI regime is important given the significant staggered changes in recent years. It will also be important that any changes made stand the test of time and show regulatory stability to foreign investors. Foreign investors, particularly those we are trying to attract for infrastructure, are investing for the long term. It will be crucial that they have comfort that the regulatory settings, once set, will remain consistent in the long run.