In the structure of this paper, theoretical aspects of foreign direct investments are approached, doubled by numerous examples, case studies specific to the contemporary investment phenomenon. Thus, in eight chapters is presented in a logical order a succession of themes which are highlighted:
- the characteristics of foreign direct investments and of foreign portfolio investments,
- the defining elements of investments, such as time, risk and economic efficiency,
- a series of aspects regarding the quantification and registration of international investment flows,
- volatility as a specific feature of contemporary investment flows,
- divestment as a reversal of the investment process,
- the forms of implantation of business abroad through foreign direct investments (greenfield investments, company acquisitions, company mergers, joint ventures formed with a local partner, international strategic alliances, contractual arrangements and dynamic networks), - motivations of foreign investors expanding business beyond their national borders,
- trends in the evolution of international investment flows,
- geographical and sectoral distribution of foreign direct investment flows,
- investment performance of transnational corporations,
- expansion strategies through foreign direct investment specific to transnational corporations,
- the effects of foreign investments on the host and home economies,
- instruments of the promotion policy and of the policy of attracting foreign direct investments at the level of the host countries and of the countries of origin, as well as
- multilateral regulation of transactions specific to international investments.