How do natural resources influence international business?

Natural resources play a crucial role in shaping international business as they directly impact trade patterns and investment decisions. Countries rich in natural resources, such as oil, minerals, and agricultural products, often become significant players in global trade. These resources can determine a nation's competitiveness, influencing what products they export and import, and thus affecting international market dynamics.

Additionally, the availability of natural resources can attract foreign investment, as companies seek to exploit these resources for profit. This can lead to joint ventures, partnerships, and the establishment of supply chains that cross borders. A country with abundant natural resources can promote economic growth and development, creating opportunities for international businesses to engage in various ways.

The other options relate to broader economic factors but do not directly connect natural resources with the mechanics of international business as clearly. For instance, interest rates are typically influenced by monetary policy rather than resource availability. Similarly, while foreign direct investment can be affected by resource availability, it is not a direct regulatory function of natural resources themselves. Population growth may indirectly relate to resource availability, but it doesn't directly influence international business operations in the same way trade patterns and investment do.