Economic Development Dispatch
Edition 20
Dearest Readers,
Welcome to our edition of Econdev Dispatch. As the year gathers pace, shifting capital flows, industrial policy, and technology investment are unfolding amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. In times like these, understanding where investment and talent are moving is more important than ever. This edition explores the developments shaping the next phase of global growth.
Read on.
What’s New
Saudi Arabia wants to host the world’s cheapest data centres. Link
On The Rise
China’s Global Investment Grew in 2025, But Exports Outpaced Offshoring. Link
Globalization is Alive and Well in the Middle East. Link
Think Tank
Your AI Strategy Needs to Expand Beyond the US and China. Link
Will Australia be ‘The Lucky Country’ with green industries? Link
Special Economic Zones: Why they succeed in some countries - and fail in others. Link
OECD Services Trade Restrictiveness Index 2026. Link
Uncovered
Speed Can Reindustrialize America. Link
Brussels to tie EV subsidies to 70% local content rule. Link
FT ranking: Europe’s leading start-up hubs 2026. Link
Why Europe doesn’t have a Tesla. Link
Mexico’s FDI Hits Record US$40.8 Billion Amid Tariff Risks. Link
Visualised
Germany <probably> needs stronger European demand — not more trade deals
Strategic investment and policy direction continue to influence how the global economy evolves, particularly as geopolitical tensions introduce new layers of uncertainty. As industries adapt and trade dynamics shift, these changes will shape opportunities across regions and sectors. In such a climate, keeping track of emerging economic signals is more important than ever-and we’ll keep highlighting where capital, policy, and growth are beginning to converge.
Stay tuned.