Enhancing urban attractiveness for foreign direct investment

: InvestPorto case

Abstract

In a world increasingly defined by globalization, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) emerges as a pivotal driver of economic growth, particularly for developing regions seeking to harness the benefits of global capital flows. This dissertation examines Porto's strategies to enhance its attractiveness for FDI, focusing on the city's economic development initiatives and the role of InvestPorto, the investment promotion agency. Utilizing qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with multinational corporations and InvestPorto representative, the study uncovers the determinants of investment attraction and the challenges faced by Porto in the competitive global market. Findings highlight Porto's skilled workforce, strategic location, and high quality of life as key attractors of FDI, while identifying regulatory complexity and inadequate legal support as principal barriers. The research advocates for the establishment of a specialized legal department within InvestPorto to provide targeted support to foreign investors, aiming to streamline investment processes and enhance Porto's global economic standing. This study contributes to understanding FDI dynamics in Porto, offering insights into improving the city's investment environment. It underscores the significance of strategic support and planning in overcoming global investment challenges, enriching the discourse on economic globalization and development.

Date of Award	15 Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Jorge Julião (Supervisor)