Direct investment

Investment by an investor (direct investor) made directly or indirectly (through subsidiaries or associated companies) to acquire a lasting interest (corresponding to at least 10% ownership of ordinary shares or voting rights) in an enterprise (direct investment enterprise). The components of direct investment are equity and debt instruments.
The definition of the concept is consistent with Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (6th edition) of the International Monetary Fund and Benchmark Definition of Foreign Direct Investment (4th edition) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.