Best Investment Destinations in Europe

 

IRELAND

 

GDP: $330 Billion

A Quick Glance

·         GDP Growth: 5.1%

·         Per-Capita GDP: $69,000

·         Public Debt/GDP: 73%

·         Population: 4.8M

·         Unemployment: 7.9%

·         Trade Balance/GDP: 3.3%

·         Inflation: -0.2%

This small, trade-dependent nation has a strong economy that has gone through the ringer in recent times but has come out stronger for it.

After officially exiting the EU-IMF bailout program that saw Ireland stabilize its economy through the economic crisis of 2007, the country has seen rapid economic growth. As such, the government has increased public spending and drastically lowered some taxes which is good news for business owners.

Since the collapse of the construction sector (thanks to the same economic crisis) Ireland has become increasingly dependent on exports for economic growth. This makes it one of the best destinations for any business owner looking to set up a manufacturing company geared towards export-goods production.

The country has a sizeable labor force despite its relatively small size; is experiencing an unprecedented period of economic growth (with GDP exceeding 26% growth in 2015) and is politically very stable.

Ireland offers a famously favorable tax system that has indubitably helped the country draws in multinational investment, but it counts many other assets too: a young, well-educated, English-speaking, but relatively low-cost labor force, as well as access to the European labor market.

NETHERLANDS

The country boasts top-notch infrastructure, an excellent standard of living and a highly educated workforce mostly fluent in English. What the European Commission called in a recent report “aggressive tax planning” has also helped boost the country’s FDI appeal, but it is nonetheless a dynamic economy with vibrant industries in agribusiness, information technology, chemicals, mechanical products, trade, transport, telecommunications and financial intermediation.

 

LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg, despite having virtually no natural resources, is the only country to rank in the top 20 on all our lists: Giants, Outperformers, Rising Stars, and Superstars. As one of the world’s most important financial centers, Luxembourg channels a good share of global FDI flows into and out of the country. It is a hotspot for special-purpose entities (SPEs), companies usually created to temporarily take on specific assets or loans that are often used in M&A deals, adding to FDI volatility. While it might be good to remove those for the purposes of analyzing “true” FDI, it’s difficult. The country’s population, while small, makes for a rich market; it is consistently among the world’s richest nations in per capita GDP. 

NORWAY

GDP: $399 Billion

A Quick Glance

·         GDP Growth: 1.1%

·         Per-Capita GDP: $75,000

·         Public Debt/GDP: 36%

·         Population: 5.3M

·         Unemployment: 4.7%

·         Trade Balance/GDP: 5%

·         Inflation: 3.6%

One of the best things about Norway is that communication with the government can reliably be done online. You can easily register a company, and you will also find that complying with tax laws in this country is a rather straightforward process.

Another added advantage of starting a business in Norway is the fact that they are a highly technologically advanced nation with a majority of Norwegians very willing to adapt, as well as pay, for new technology.

This means that you will easily find highly skilled labor especially in the fields of IT, design, finance and music technology.

Other things that make this nation one of the best for doing business include:

·         The populace is generally wealthy meaning they have a lot of disposable income

·         It is politically very stable

·         It has a well-developed communication and transport infrastructure

·         It is a big player in the EU and has long-standing trade ties with other EU nations

Norway is a very transparent country and has minimal levels of corruption. For these reasons, Norway makes a very attractive option for any straightforward business investor looking to build an honest business.

 

 PORTUGAL

Portugal has a moderate rank in raw and relative inflows, but much higher than 10 years ago; thus it shines by measures of improvement. In 2009, Portugal passed a tax reform that has made obtaining residency easy, quick and cheap, adding a financial incentive to its many quality-of-life enticements. The reform has drawn retirees from all over the world and made Lisbon and Porto attractive destinations for creative and technological entrepreneurs. That has pushed up Portugal’s scores and attracted more investment in real estate and technology.

 

GERMANY

GDP: $3.6 Trillion

A Quick Glance

·         GDP Growth: 1.9%

·         Per-Capita GDP: $43,000

·         Public Debt/GDP: 68%

·         Population: 83M

·         Unemployment: 4.2%

·         Trade Balance/GDP: 8.3%

·         Inflation: 0.4%

As one of the largest economies in the world and Europe’s largest, Germany is a wonderful investment destination and a leading exporter of vehicles, machinery, household equipment, and chemicals.

But the biggest selling point for this country is that it has a huge, highly-skilled and highly-educated labor force. Although this labor force is not as affordable as is the case in many countries on this list, there are many positives Germany offers.

But despite all that, the economy suffers from low levels of investment which makes it a ready and ripe market for foreign investors willing to take on the wages commanded by the available labor force.

As a member of the EU, Germany enjoys strict standards of manufacturing and production. Starting a business there will not only give you a chance to exploit the largely well-funded markets in the EU, but it will also give you an opportunity to raise your standards of production. Standardized across the board, this will give your brand a highly competitive edge in the global market.

 

 CYPRUS

Its FDI figures oscillated greatly in the last 10 years, but in 2016 Cyprus was able to attract a share of FDI more than nine times its share of world GDP. A generous tax regime and removal of investment restrictions (part of joining the EU) helped develop a strong financial hub that has nevertheless suffered from the economic ups and downs of European economies, particularly that of Greece.

SWITZERLAND

GDP: $679 Billion

A Quick Glance

·         GDP Growth: 1.4%

·         Per-Capita GDP: $80,000

·         Public Debt/GDP: 33%

·         Population: 8.5M

·         Unemployment: 3.3%

·         Trade Balance/GDP: 10.5%

·         Inflation: -0.4%

With an unemployment rate of only 3.3%, a burgeoning economy and a notoriously stable political climate, Switzerland is without a doubt one of the best countries in the world for really anything except the tropical weather.

It has a highly skilled workforce that is ready and willing to work (although it may not be as affordable as it is in other countries on this list).

The country benefits from a highly developed service sector plus a manufacturing industry that has specialized in high-technology and knowledge-based production. It also has one of the world’s most sophisticated financial sectors which makes it perfect for safe, calculated and steady investment.

Apart from the excellent numbers indicating economic growth and prowess, Switzerland also has other factors that make it an attractive destination for starting a business. These include:

·         A very transparent legal system that is easy to navigate

·         Consistent economic and political stability

·         Low corporate taxes

·         Efficient capital markets

·         Exceptional communication and transport infrastructure

Plus, it is a trusted and valued member of the EU which opens up some of Europe’s most advanced and gigantic markets for investors.

The aforementioned European countries we’ve highlighted present great business and investment opportunities, there are other wonderful European countries that are also conducive in doing business, this includes:

1.     Austria

2.     Belgium

3.     Denmark

4.     Estonia

5.     Sweden

6.     Czech Republic, among others.

The aforementioned subject is brought to you, courtesy of National Mail.

National Mail is an online news platform of Globe Chamber of Commerce and Trade Nigeria that focuses on business development, Investment, trade, economic exchange and development. 

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