Sustainable Investment

EU Global Gateway – Attracting European Investment in Ecuador

The study focused on improving the regulatory environment and facilitating a more stable and predictable business climate in Ecuador. This is particularly important for strategic sectors such as agro-industry, productive infrastructure, renewable energy, and telecommunications, all of which hold strong potential for growth and job creation.

The methodological approach adopted in the study was grounded in a comprehensive view of the factors influencing the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI), taking into account regulatory, institutional, operational, and business environment perception aspects. The central objective was to contribute to Ecuador's economic recovery through greater integration with the global economy, increased flows of European investment, and the promotion of more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive economic growth.

The methodology combined desk research with a substantial field work component carried out in Ecuador, ensuring effective alignment between empirical evidence and technical analysis. The technical team applied a participatory and multidisciplinary approach, which included the collection of primary data through interviews, consultations, and surveys with key stakeholders in the investment ecosystem, as well as close collaboration with national institutions and private sector representatives. This strategy made it possible to capture not only the formal framework governing investment in Ecuador, but also the real-world dynamics faced by European investors throughout the investment cycle.

The approach also incorporated a comparative and international dimension, drawing on international best practices and standards in investment attraction, with particular attention to the principles of the European Global Gateway programme. In doing so, the study sought to provide a strategic and action-oriented analytical perspective, facilitating the formulation of concrete recommendations aligned with the interests of the country and its European partners.