在1977—1990年期间,外国在美国的直接投资增加了11倍以上。外国厂商所收购或建立的美国企业迅速增加,这引起了许多争论。一些人士担心外资厂商会比美国企业更多地采取使就业减少、美国的贸易逆差恶化、技术进步受到阻碍或国家安全受到威胁的行动。为外国直接投资辩护的人则强调可使经济活动增加,因为可增加新的工作岗位并向美国转移得到改进的管理、销售和生产技术。 During 1977-1990, foreign direct investment in the United States increased more than 11-fold. The rapid rise in the number of U.S. companies acquired or established by foreign firms has caused much debate. Some people worry that foreign firms will take more actions than U.S. businesses to reduce employment, the U.S. trade deficit will worsen, technological advances will be hindered, or national security will be threatened. Those who defend foreign direct investment stress that economic activity can be increased as new jobs can be added and improved access to management, marketing and production technology transferred to the United States.