Are you thinking about looking for investment opportunities in foreign countries? Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time investor, it’s important that you acquaint yourself with the current investment landscape, because you certainly don’t want to throw your money in the wrong direction. Investors say it’s critical that you invest in a country that has the potential for long-term income generation, or a high rate of short-term return.

When choosing a country to invest in, you need to analyse certain aspects of the country’s economy, such as whether it has an investor-friendly environment, favourable tax laws, stock market performance, as well as the security and corruption level. Also check out the Guide to Global Investing featured on the Air Charter Service website, which has some expert insights into the world of global investing.

So, which countries are the best for investment? According to a World Bank report, South Asia remains the fastest-growing region in the world; its economic performance prospects remain strong due to its limited exposure to global commotion, coupled with a rise in investment activity.

Here are some of the countries that emerge at the top of the list for investment:

India

India has a rapidly growing, diverse economy, but because of the size of its population, it’s also one of the poorest countries in the world based on income. Although agriculture opens the most employment opportunities for workers, services are the main source of economic growth. India has become an important center of business outsourcing services, information technology services, and software workers, due to its educated, English-speaking workforce. Its film industry based in Mumbai, nicknamed Bollywood, produces more feature films than any other country in the world. There is a lot of room for growth, business expansion and urbanization.

Singapore

One of Asia’s four economic giants, Singapore is a lively metropolis and is home to one of the world’s busiest ports. Not only does Singapore have a strong economy, but unemployment is also low, making it one of the richest countries in the world. Efficient manufacturing and production practices have led the way for free-market innovation in the booming pharmaceutical and electronics industries that have given Singapore an impressive growth rate in recent years.

Panama

The Panama Canal is a hub of global trade. The country has an admirable balance of firm privacy guidelines combined with adequate controls to prevent money laundering. With more than 80 international banks, Panama has one of the world’s biggest banking sectors. It’s an ideal place to invest in business opportunities, such as its growing tourism industry, and you can also take advantage of excellent deals in the country’s property market. Several tax advantages exist for these types of investment, such as exemptions for foreign income.

Brazil

Not only is Brazil one of the world’s top tourist destinations, but it is also rich in natural resources. The country’s economy is active in the manufacturing, mining, and agricultural service sectors. Brazil’s economy grew swiftly during the first decade of the 21st century, and it now has one of the world’s biggest economies in terms of gross domestic product, according to the International Monetary Fund. However, at the moment the country confronts weighty questions on inequality, poverty, the environment and governance.

So, there you have it. And before you invest in a foreign country, remember that all investments involve some degree of risk, make sure you have done all the necessary research.