United States Department of State

The Republic of Cyprus'(ROC) favorable climate towards foreign investment is derived from its strategic geographic location, low corporate and personal tax rates, its 55 double taxation avoidance treaties (including the United States), excellent telecommunications and transportation infrastructure, and its highly-educated English-speaking labor force. A good but unintended consequence of the 2013 financial crisis is that Cypriot businesses are actively pursuing foreign investors for projects that span from expanding and broadening tourism-related infrastructure to the modernization of the ports, as well as opportunities to invest in the banking sector. In most sectors, both local and foreign investors may establish a business in Cyprus with equal benefits. Turkish Cypriots welcome foreign investment and are eager to attract investments that include the potential of transferring of advanced technology and technical skills. Priority is also given to investments in export-oriented industries. The "Turkish Cypriot Investment Development Agency" ("YAGA") is a one stop shop for all investors.

Australia is generally welcoming to foreign investment. In 2014, the United States was Australia's largest source of Foreign Direct Investment stock delivering USD 159 billion of investment or approximately 24% of all FDI in Australia. Australia is the United States' 15th largest export market and third largest trading partner. U. S. direct investment in Australia is led by the nonbank holding, mining, finance and insurance companies, and manufacturing sectors. Foreign investment in Australia is regulated by the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 and Australia's Foreign Investment Policy. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB), a division of Australia's Treasury, is a non-statutory body established to advise the Treasurer and the Commonwealth Government on Australia's foreign investment policy and its administration. The FIRB screens potential foreign investments in Australia above threshold values, and based on advice from the FIRB, the Treasurer may deny or place conditions on the approval of particular investments above that threshold on national interest grounds.

Burundi is a landlocked country located in Central Africa. Burundi is still in a post conflict state, is resource poor, its population suffers from extreme poverty, and many of the recent economic reforms have not been fully implemented. Its landlocked location and infrastructure constraints limit transportation of goods and services. Energy demand significantly exceeds capacity and rolling blackouts are common. Years of civil conflict have created a brain drain. Scarcity of skilled labor limits growth in all sectors. The Government of Burundi (GoB) seeks to attract more foreign investment. However, inexpert fiscal governance and corruption limit foreign direct investment (FDI). The 2013 IMF estimate for FDI inflow in Burundi was USD 68 million. Since 2008, members of the executive branch have granted large discretionary exemptions to private foreign companies by presidential decree or ministerial ordinance in order to attract FDI. These direct government-to-company agreements undermine the Burundian tax law and the investment code. Following the recommendations of the IMF 5th review however, significant efforts have been made to curb these discretionary exemptions. In addition to reducing revenues for the state, these exemptions injure private companies already operating in Burundi by granting advantages to select competitors.

The Government of Cabo Verde (GOCV) looks to both private and foreign investment to drive the country's future economic growth with a focus on tourism, transportation services, renewable energy, and export-oriented industries. A great effort has been made to promote a market-oriented economic model and in 2014, Cabo Verde achieved its highest economic freedom score (66.1), making its 3rd out of 46 countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), United States, and many other donors have endorsed and supported the GOCV's economic liberalization policies. All investors, regardless of their nationality, have the same rights and are subject to the same duties and obligations under the laws of Cabo Verde.

The GOC's attitude towards foreign direct investment (FDI) is generally positive. There are few formal restrictions on foreign trade and investment. Since 2011, Chad's foreign investment inflows have been increasing, largely due to investments in the oil sector. According to United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)'s most recent figures, Chad's FDI in flows totaled 538.42 million in 2013. Chad's laws and regulations encourage FDI. The National Investment Charter of 2008 offers incentives to foreign companies establishing operations in Chad, including up to five years of tax-exempt status. Under Chadian law, foreign and domestic entities may establish and own business enterprises. The National Investment Charter permits full foreign ownership of companies in Chad. The only limit on foreign control is on foreign ownership of companies deemed related to national security. In recent years, the GOC fully or partially privatized several state-owned enterprises (SOEs) while creating new SOEs. The National Investment Charter guarantees foreign companies and individuals equal standing with Chadian companies and individuals in the privatization process. In principal, tenders for foreign investment in SOEs and for government contracts are done through open international bid procedures.