The Arab Spring protests, and the months of political instability that followed, slowed FDI inflows into north Africa. But rather than pulling out of the region entirely, many investors simply put their projects on hold or moved into other more stable economies such as Morocco and Algeria.

The judging of fDi's inaugural Digital Marketing Awards threw up a few turkeys, writes Courtney Fingar, but it was heartening to see just how many investment promotion agencies have excellent digital strategies, even if it does make a judge's job all the more arduous.

Opinion is divided as to whether the unparalleled increase in outward Canadian FDI in 2011 was down to the country's strong economy or a dearth of domestic growth opportunities. Either way, it has propelled many Canadian companies – both large and small – into new territories.

Texas governor Rick Perry has won the inaugural fDi Governor's Award for 2012, thanks in no small part to his pro-business approach which has helped to create 300,000 new jobs in the state in the past three years. 

fDi Magazine tasked a team of investment analysts and experts to assess the performance of the UK's local enterprise partnerships since they replaced the regional development agencies. The results were mixed, with a general feeling that the LEPs still have a lot to learn.

fDiMagazine’s second global ranking of economic zones has awarded Dubai Airport Free Zone the title of Global Free Zone of the Future 2012/13.