The Dominican Republic has the largest economy in Central America and the Caribbean, and is known for its positive attitude towards foreign investment. According to the World Bank, the Dominican Republic ranked as the country that has received the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Caribbean in 2012. In that same year, the flow of FDI to the Dominican Republic grew by 59% driven by the increase in investments in electricity, manufacturing and mining. Investment also increased in the manufacturing sector of the free trade zones, in tourism and in real estate. The Dominican Republic is located in the center of America, close to the main markets. As such, it has signed trade agreements that provide privileged market access to and from the United States, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean.