In return, it is hoped that rich countries will direct more aid, free more trade and encourage private investment.

ECONOMIST: Zambian copper

Emerging economies have been strikingly successful in raising equity finance in the form of foreign direct investment, which accounted for almost half of the private capital they imported in 2005.

ECONOMIST: Shares in emerging economies

Even in Ethiopia, one of the prime recipients of land-based foreign direct investment in Africa, the law does not allow private ownership of the land, which belongs to the State.

UNESCO: Madiodio Niasse on the risks associated with large-scale foreign land aquisitions | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization