Direct investment corresponds to the purchases of equity in an enterprise (the direct investment enterprise or affiliate) that is resident in an economy other than that of the direct investor, with the aim of exercising control or a significant degree of influence over the management and establishing a lasting relationship. The lasting relationship is evidenced when the direct investor owns at least 10% of the voting power of the direct investment enterprise. Direct investment statistics cover all cross-border transactions and positions between enterprises which are in a foreign direct investment relationship: equity, reinvestment of earnings, debt instruments (intercompany loans).
The data report Italy's outward and inward direct investment, by country and instrument.
Published data are updated and revised annually in December.
