Qatar has one of the fastest growing economies with the highest per capita income in the world. Qatar's economy is projected to continue slowing down in 2014 after recording one of the world's highest growth rates following the completion of major gas projects. Growth slowed down to an estimated 6.1 percent in 2013 and is expected to continue its downward trend to reach 5.9 percent in 2014, according to IMF estimates. Qatar is currently undergoing massive transformation under the rubric of the 2030 National Vision, which aims to establish an advanced, knowledge-based, and diversified economy,...

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, who is both head of state and head of government. The government bases its legitimacy on its interpretation of sharia (Islamic law) and the 1992 Basic Law, which specifies that the rulers of the country shall be male descendants of the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman al-Saud. The Basic Law sets out the system of governance, rights of citizens, and powers and duties of the government, and it provides that the Koran and Sunna (the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) serve as the country's...

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is both head of state and head of government. The government bases its legitimacy on its interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law) and the 1992 Basic Law, which specifies that the rulers of the country shall be male descendants of the founder King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud. The Basic Law sets out the system of governance, rights of citizens, and powers and duties of the government, and it provides that the Quran and Sunna (the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) serve as the country's...

In its specific policies, laws, and general attitude, the Government of Mongolia (GOM) has tended to support foreign direct investment (FDI) in all sectors and businesses. In general, Mongolian law does not discriminate against foreign investors. Foreigners may invest with a minimum of US $100,000 cash or the equivalent value of capital material (office stock, structures, autos, etc.). In both law and practice, foreigners may own 100% of any registered business with no legal, regulatory, or administrative requirement to take on any Mongolian entity as a joint venture partner, shareholder, or...

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT is a top priority for the Obama Administration. And now is a critical time for action for the United States to lead on establishing new rules of the road. This is critical not only for the environment but to level the playing field for American workers and businesses.

The Republic of Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Kosovo's neighbor to the north, Serbia does not recognize it as a sovereign state, but has begun to normalize relations in accordance with the Brussels Agreement of April 2013. With a population of 1.8 million and land area 6,765 square miles, landlocked Kosovo is considered Europe's poorest country, yet it does have some mineral and coal deposits. Kosovo's official unemployment rate is 30.9 percent, although some estimates are as high as 45 percent. In an effort to foster economic development, the Government of Kosovo (GoK)...

While Indonesia's population of 245 million, growing middle class, and stable economy remain attractive to U.S. investors, investing in Indonesia remains challenging. This report focuses on challenges foreign investors face rather than the range of investment opportunities. Since October 2014, the Indonesian government under President Joko Widodo has prioritized boosting investment, including foreign investment, to support Indonesia's economic growth goals, and has committed to reducing bureaucratic barriers to investment, including announcing the creation of a "one stop shop" for permits and...

The Netherlands consistently ranks among the world's most competitive industrialized economies. It offers an attractive business and investment climate and remains a welcoming location for business investment from the United States and elsewhere. Distinguishing strengths of the Dutch economy include the Netherlands' stable political and macroeconomic climate, a highly developed financial sector, strategic location, well-educated and productive labor force, and high quality physical and communications infrastructures. Investors in the Netherlands take advantage of its highly competitive...

Spain is open and seeking to attract additional foreign investment, particularly to help spur recovery from its recent economic crisis. Spain's well-educated work force, excellent infrastructure, large domestic market, and export possibilities have attracted foreign companies in large numbers over the past three decades. Spanish law permits foreign ownership in investments up to 100 percent, and capital movements are completely liberalized. In 2014, gross new foreign direct investment reached EUR 17.626 billion, with the six main investors in Spain being the United States, Luxembourg, the...

Several key factors make Slovenia an attractive location for foreign direct investment (FDI), including: modern infrastructure with access to main EU transportation corridors, a major port on the Adriatic Sea, a highly-educated and professional work force, close proximity to Central/Southeastern European and EU markets, and membership in the EU and Eurozone. However, potential investors in Slovenia have faced challenges including a lack of transparency in economic and commercial decision-making, unclear tender processes, and at times an inconsistent taxation and regulatory structure. EU...