Micro-Evidence on the Strategies of Chinese and Indian Multinationals: Determinants and Motivations

Using a sample of 603 subsidiaries Chinese Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and 174 subsidiaries Indian MNCs, we explore the regional and industrial pattern of their direct investment strategies. Our analysis reveals several important facts. First, most of outward foeign direct investment (FDI) is directed in finance and real estate and services. Second, by far the majority of investment projects are carried out in the home region of Asia-Pacific. Third, outward FDI is highly concentrated geographically and the average investment project is relatively small. Fourth, establishment of subsidiaries is the most preferred way of carrying out FDI. Finally, firm-specific and location-specific characteristics are important drivers of FDI strategies. Last but not least, a large proportion of Chinese and Indian investments is conducted mainly within those countries themselves, revealing a strong multi- domestic character. Outward Foreign Direct Investment, Chinese Multinational Corporations, Indian Multinational Corporations, Market Seeking, Resource Seeking, Efficiency Seeking, Risk Diversification