July 17 (UPI) -- Foreign direct investment in Latin America and the Caribbean rose 7.1% in 2024, reaching nearly $189 billion, the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean reported Thursday. The increase came despite global economic uncertainty and an overall decline in investment flows worldwide. Brazil and Mexico accounted for 61% of the total, helping offset declines in Colombia, Chile and Argentina. Investment also rose in Central America and the Caribbean,