HONG KONG was the best-performing host economy for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asia and the second best in the world after Belgium and Luxembourg, said a U.N. report released yesterday.

　　Hong Kong also has been classified in the “World Investment Report 2002” (covering 2001 and previous years) as a “front-runner” economy, which means that Hong Kong outperformed its investment potential by attracting very high FDI flows relative to its economic size.

　　It shared this designation in Asia with Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

　　The report noted that Hong Kong was able to solidify its position as a regional business hub with 3,237 multinational corporations establishing regional offices there in 2001, representing an 8 percent increase over 2000.

　　Commenting on the report, Director-General of Investment Promotion of Hong Kong Mike Rowse, said it is encouraging to see that Hong Kong has maintained its position as a major destination for FDI.

　　“We will continue to undertake targeted efforts to promote existing locational advantages and retain our competitive edge to attract foreign investors,” he said. (Xinhua)