Russian gold mining company Nordgold has expanded through many developing markets since its inception in 2007, and is looking to continue growing in regions that more established operators have tended to avoid.

For years, Tajikistan's economy has been heavily reliant on remittances from Russia, with a severe lack of private investment from both foreign and domestic business. But while Western companies remain cautious about entering the country, the former Soviet republic's vast gold and silver deposits could yet provide a China-fuelled investment boom.

As the capacity for embassies and diplomats to target and attract investment grows, countries are becoming increasingly eager to restructure their operations in a bid to best utilise these new promotional agents.

Increased demand for private education, particularly in developing countries, has created a multitude of opportunities for private investors. But while education might seem a sound investment, there are complex ideological and logistical problems facing companies choosing to enter this somewhat controversial market.

Malaysia's government is targeting achieving high-income status by 2020, and sees foreign investment as being crucial to it realising this goal. However, it is wary of the country's economy being overdependent on business from overseas.

Its 13 free zones and 18 industrial zones are seen as lynchpins of Malaysia's economic aspirations as well as useful tools for helping outlying areas catch up with the capital city Kuala Lumpur. One such zone is Iskandar, where ambitious targets for development have been set.

The agri-food business has acquired a mixed reputation over the past few years, with many in emerging markets claiming that the demands placed upon it are unrealistic. However, the issue of feeding the world's growing population is not going to go away, and those well placed to meet these demands will be the ones to profit.

Malaysia's excellent economic performance in recent years has come on the back of its Economic Transformation Programme. Its prime minister and finance minister Dato’ Sri Abdul Tun Najib Razak tells Barbara Njau how the programme has helped diversify the country's economy, which has continued to thrive while much of the rest of the world has struggled.