Subnational determinants of foreign direct investments in the Russian Federation

Abstract

Our purpose is to examine the determinants of subnational distribution of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the key fifteen regions of Russia over the period of 2005-2011 using panel data. Within the most important economic regions of the country we found market seeking is still the main purpose of foreign inward investments. As a result, the size of the Russian consumer market presents a significant influence on the foreign economic activities alongside trade openness and government economic incentives. Our results from regression analysis indicate that gross regional product per capita, trade openness and the existence of special economic zones have significant positive impact on the regional distribution of FDI in the Russian Federation.