Screening of Direct Foreign Investment as Current Trend in Regulating Investment Process

Abstract

The article analyzes current trends in the field of foreign investment regulation. Principle attention was paid to studying causes and after-effects of countries’ passing on to screening of direct foreign investment (DFI). The article provides analysis of changes in the EU legislation concerning regulation of investment processes in strategic and most sensitive sectors and industries of European economy. Regulatory changes aiming at toughening procedures of foreign investment check-up are being discussed by host countries. Sectors and types of activity, which are often checked on threats for national security, were identified. Differences in approaching DFI screening management on the part of certain countries were highlighted and screening practice in China, France, Germany and Belorussia was analyzed. Examples of using screening in investment legislation of the Russian Federation were given. The author provided recommendations on increasing transparency of the mechanism of DFI checking, predictability of investment policy and introduction of information and communication channels, as well as extension of the field of using procedures for provisional authorization.

Keywords

• foreign investment
• investment policy
• national security