The successful pursuit of foreign investment to Macedonia in recent years is in no small part down to prime minister Nikola Gruevski's businesslike approach to running his country. He tells Michal Kaczmarski how this approach – combined with a worldwide talent search – is reaping rewards.

A joint venture between South Korea’s Posco Chemtech and Japan’s Mitsubishi is testimony to the ongoing vibrancy and relevance of South Korea’s chemicals industry.

For the past 18 months, private investment promotion firm Connect Ireland has been offering financial incentives to individuals who can put the company in touch with potential investors. Michal Kaczmarski examines the early results of this innovative initiative.

South Korea has the unenviable task of setting itself up as an investment destination that can challenge nearby heavyweights China and Japan. However, the innovative use of free-trade agreements and pro-business policies are helping the country establish itself as a gateway into north-west Asia.

Built on steel and coal, Donetsk Oblast has a long history of industry, but now the region is looking to diversify its offerings. With investment opportunities in new technologies, tourism, logistics and warehousing, backed up by political will, the region looks set to prosper.

South Korea has seen its export-focused economy slow in the global economic downturn, leading its government to launch a fiscal stimulus package to encourage growth and leaving investors hoping that the country can regain its momentum in the long term.