Foreign direct investment, 2010

Equity capital made up 53 per cent of the foreign direct investment in Norway compared with 89 per cent of Norwegian foreign direct investment abroad. The rest of the investment consisted of other kinds of capital; mainly inter-company loans. Loans were most important for the increase in the stock of direct investment in Norway, while equity capital was the highest contributor to direct investment abroad.

Sweden still on top, decrease for the USA

The geographical breakdown shows that the foreign direct investment is still dominated by the EU countries and the USA. Seventy-three per cent of the investment in Norway originated in these countries, with Sweden on top with a share of 15 per cent. The US share fell from 14 per cent in 2009 to 10 per cent in 2010. In the other direction of investment; Norwegian direct investment abroad, the EU countries and the USA counted for 65 per cent of the total, compared with 69 per cent in the previous year. Sweden was also on top here with a share of 14 per cent. Countries other than the EU and USA became more important, with an increase of total investment abroad from 29 per cent in 2009 to 35 per cent in 2010.

Oil business most important both in Norway and abroad

The oil business is still the most important activity for direct investment both in Norway and abroad, with shares of the total of 29 and 23 per cent respectively. The manufacturing industry is also important on both sides.

Income

Income from direct investment consists of dividends paid, reinvested earnings and interest. Return on foreign direct investment in Norway in 2010 amounted to NOK 87 billion, while the corresponding figure for income for Norwegian direct investment abroad was NOK 68 billion. Both figures were higher than in 2009, and particularly the return on investment abroad.

Tables:

• Table 1 Foreign direct investments abroad. 1998-2010. Total NOK million
• Table 2 Foreign direct investment in Norway. 1998-2010. NOK million
• Table 3 Return on direct investment abroad. 2004-2010. NOK million (Corrected 13 January 2012)
• Table 4 Return on direct investment in Norway. 2004-2010. NOK million