Although foreign direct investment is synonymous with the movement of financial capital across international borders; the underlying logic and actions required are exactly the same for attracting financial capital across regional and local national borders.

As counter intuitive as it may seem, the countries most in need of investment capital are actually net exporters of the same investment capital. A 2008 report by UNCTAD showed developing countries exporting more capital to developed countries. 

Investors everywhere are always looking for relatively safe and competitive return on their investments. Corporations are always looking for locations to establish new businesses. The internet makes it possible for small and less resourceful communities to market their opportunities directly to investors and corporations; just as efficiently as larger, richer, and more resourceful communities. 

Success in marketing and attracting investors requires an understanding of the foreign direct investment process. VillageDirect.Org design incorporates foreign direct investment and promotions best practices.

Project developers and communities can leverage VillageDirect.Org structure and attract the resources and investment they need.  VillageDirect.Org empowers every individual, organization and enterprise to represent the virtues of their community.

In addition to mobilizing human, financial, and other resources needed for community economic development within the framework of the Millennium Development Goals, and WSIS Declaration of Principals and Plan of Action; VillageDirect.Org forums and blogs allow members to connect and increase their understanding of the foreign direct investment process, investment law, industry, culture, market research, strategic planning, investor marketing, sector targeting, investor servicing and much more.

Informal learning is provided for by members initiating and engaging each other with slides, audio, video, and other tools as part of their content and presentations. Hot links are provided to case studies and resources for self study.

Training and certifications are available on market research, researching prospective investors, creating an investment promotion strategy, prospecting and qualifying investors, and managing a investment promotions campaign. Coaching programs are available to develop and enhance professional skills.

VillageDirect.Org members are empowered with a rich array of easy to use web based applications for developing and managing investment promotion campaigns, monitoring and measuring results, and delivering qualified prospects. Web-based applications utilize cloud computing technologies; eliminating costs for technicians with expertise in managing the technologies involved.

These applications don't care what kind of hardware or operating systems you have. This also eliminates the high costs of investing in new hardware. All you need to access these applications are a web browser and internet connection. All updates, fixes, and new features are automatically integrated with your online account as soon as new versions are released. This frees you and your staff to focus on your work.

Depending on your budget and available staff; you may do everything in-house, or outsource some of the work. If you are completely new at this, VillageDirect.Org  has an extensive network of experienced professionals to assist you. They can help with the development of a highly customized strategic plan, and manage day-to day investment promotions activities.

As an Alliance Partner of Zoho, VillageDirect.Org offers a comprehensive suite of award-winning on-line business applications for marketing, managing information, prospecting for investors, and providing support while at the office or on the go.  All without having to worry about expensive or outdated hardware or software.  All applications sync easily with your PDA. Learn more... 

VillageDirect.Org has been designed for members to leverage international agreements, development programs, market opportunities and community objectives for creating economic value. Access to additional networks and contacts are provided through VillageDirect.Org groups on LinkedIn and Xing.   

Members of VillageDirect.Org and its groups are committed to the Millennium Development Goals and WSIS Declaration of Principal and Plan of Action.  They are accustomed to the opportunities available from community economic development projects.

In addition to congenial social networking skills and posting quality content in the forums; the basis of VillageDirect.Org codes of ethics provides a solid foundation for you to build the long term relationships needed to find clients, partners, supporters and investors. Coaching is available for using VillageDirect.Org in conjunction with other social networks to accomplish your goals.