In its annual report on investments in the world (see yesterday's EI), UNCTAD refers to forecasts for this year, on the basis of developments observed in the first nine months. According to the Organisation, foreign direct investments (FDIs) will be well down in 2001 with a general downturn of 40% compared to last year, or $760 bn. Should this be confirmed, it would be the first downturn since 1991 and the steepest in three decades. Nevertheless, the level should remain higher than...