Hi-Tech Park in Belarus is a growing hub for both regional and international software and IT firms that offers its registered businesses economic incentives. This is one example of how the eastern European country is capitalising on its highly skilled workforce of engineers, which has also attracted the attention of the likes of Microsoft and NEC.

There is a common perception that investing in Belarus is only for the risk-takers. However, the country can point to many examples of companies large and small operating successfully within it. The key, according to those working in the country, is in the preparation.

Car manufacturing was among the hardest-hit sectors during the global financial crisis. However, the industry is undergoing a revival in Asia, where it is helping to drive the region's recent economic growth.

India is passing through the best of times and the worst of times, as a positive approach to foreign investments is gaining momentum across the country at the expense of a lack of attention given to domestic investment.

Roopa Kudva, CEO and managing director of Indian rating agency and analytical company Crisil, has overseen the company's impressive international expansion of recent years, and has introduced some unconventional – and effective – methods along the way.