Investment Climate in Foreign Countries. Volume 4. Western Hemisphere (Excluding Canada)

摘要

This volume contains the investment climate statements of 37 Western Hemisphere countries (Canada is included in Volume 1: OECD and Other European Countries). Each statement, after an economic overview, describes the government policy toward foreign direct investment, specifically, official screening and approval procedures; investment incentives and performance requirements; current investment disputes; profit repatriation restrictions; bilateral investment agreements; foreign trade zones; labor availability; and anticipated changes in investment policy. The stated policy in 32 of the 37 Western Hemisphere countries is to welcome foreign direct investment, although 17 countries prohibit and/or limit foreign participation in certain industry sectors (most frequently in banking, communications, insurance, internal transportation, media, nuclear and petroleum energy, public services and utilities). Four countries require a majority of local ownership for all industries.