Kearney’s 2025 FDI Index: APAC Leads Innovation-Led Growth Despite Global Headwinds

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 April 2025 - Kearney's Global Business Policy Council today released its 2025 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index (FDICI), a survey capturing investor sentiment on FDI flows over the next three years. With 30 percent of respondents based in Asia Pacific (APAC), the survey results show a mixed outlook for APAC markets.

Eight markets from APAC make the top 25 this year, the same representation as last year. This includes Japan (4th), China (including Hong Kong) (6th), Australia (10th), South Korea (14th), Singapore (15th), New Zealand (16th), Taiwan (China) (23rd) and India (24th).

Investors highly value the technological and economic performance of some APAC markets, while the challenges from a complex global geopolitical environment have negatively impacted investors' views on others.

Though there have been profound developments since the survey was in the field in January, including the announcement of new U.S. tariffs in April, key findings remain illuminating — particularly the value that investors place on efficiency of legal and regulatory processes, domestic economic performance, and technological and innovation capabilities.

Technology and Economic Strength Propel APAC Markets

Investor confidence in APAC remains underpinned by notable advancements in technology and solid economic fundamentals. Japan's ascent from 7th to 4th place is a prime example, as market participants point to its leading technology innovation and strong economic performance, bolstered by a tight labor market and record wage growth.

Likewise, South Korea makes its strongest-ever showing by leaping from 20th to 14th. 41 percent of investors cite its dynamic technology sector as a key driver of renewed confidence. Significant government investments in semiconductors are potential influencing factors behind this change.

82 percent of APAC-based investors plan to increase FDI in the next three years. 50 percent are more optimistic than a year ago about the APAC economy.

"The impressive strides in technology and economic performance across APAC are reshaping our investment landscape. Japan's leap and South Korea's record performance demonstrate the power of innovation and strong market fundamentals, even as recent U.S. tariff measures add complexities to global trade dynamics," said Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair, Asia Pacific, Kearney.

"These trends reinforce that strategic and forward-looking investments in innovation will drive sustainable and regenerative growth in our region in the face of evolving global dynamics.

Nonetheless, businesses should also conduct scenario planning as they navigate tariffs and prepare for emerging risks. Sectors like automotive and manufacturing are expected to be hard-hit on top of existing cost and regulatory challenges."

Regional Headwinds Temper Optimism

Investor sentiment is also affected by rising uncertainties.

Roughly 43 percent of APAC investors surveyed see a rise in commodity prices as the most likely development over the next year, up a striking 14 percent from last year. The uptick is perhaps explained by investor fears of increased global conflict and subsequent supply chain disruptions that could drive commodity prices up.

Ranked second as a likely development in 2025 for APAC investors is a more restrictive business regulatory environment in developed markets (36 percent), up two percent from last year. Tied for third are a rise in geopolitical tensions and a more restrictive business regulatory environment in emerging markets (28 percent).

China slipped from 3rd to 6th place, reflecting ongoing economic challenges including a persistent property crisis and heightened US–China trade tensions. Nevertheless, the nation's tech innovation continues to be a draw, as evidenced by the recent launch of DeepSeek AI.

Furthermore, Singapore's drop from 12th to 15th and India's decline from 18th to 24th underscore growing concerns over trade-related risks and regulatory complexity, respectively.

Shigeru Sekinada added: "While our region continues to showcase significant strengths, we also recognize the challenges in a shifting global landscape. For instance, the new U.S. tariffs have impacted Southeast Asian nations and traditional China +1 beneficiaries.

Despite these challenges, APAC markets retain their core appeal, offering strong fundamentals that investors value deeply – tech-driven innovation, talent, and a strong business-friendly environment. With proactive policies and strategic investments, we are confident that the region is well-equipped to unlock long-term value amidst a volatile global environment."

ASEAN Shines Among Emerging Markets

Southeast Asia continues to excel in the FDICI's Emerging Market Index, launched in 2023 to highlight attractive emerging markets for FDI over the next three years. Three ASEAN-6 nations (Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia) have secured spots in the top 15. Investors cite the talent and skills of the workforce as the top reason for investing in Thailand (34 percent), Malaysia (30 percent), and Indonesia (32 percent).

Notably, investor optimism remains high in Thailand, leading ASEAN nations, only behind Singapore.

https://www.kearney.com/