Nearly half the total invested abroad was used to buy into foreign companies.
No one would say that investing abroad is all bad.
Much of the money that might have been invested abroad is likely to stay in Japan.
Since it is usually the best companies that invest abroad, the social conditions on offer are likely to be better than average.
And the change could significantly effect Americans who invest abroad.
It wasn't long ago that investing abroad was out of favor.
He cited American oil companies that invested abroad in the 1970's.
In a sea change, the government now says that to invest abroad is to be patriotic.
The company continues to battle government regulation, and is investing abroad.
It could also lead to smaller companies daring to invest abroad.