OFDI from China: a deliberately macro re-evaluation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical overview of the recent phenomenon of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) from China, from a more macro and historical perspective. Design/methodology/approach The paper critically reviews the extant literature and re-assesses available data on OFDI from China. Findings It is argued that despite the explosion of academic interest the phenomenon was neither unpredicted nor sudden. Originality/value The paper also argues that OFDI from China is not yet so important and neither presents insurmountable challenges to the established literature on FDI.