- Asia: According to UNCTAD's preliminary estimations, foreign direct investment in developing countries of Asia (including Central, Eastern, South and South East Asia) reached a record $141 billion in 2000. This 44% rise compared to the 1999 level ($98 billion) is mainly due to an unprecedented increase in flows towards Hong Kong. Investment made in China has remained stable: $41 billion in 2000 as opposed to $40 billion in 1999. The main characteristic of the investment flow to this...