Global FDI rises 16 percent: UN report

Vienna, July 6 (IANS) Despite the ongoing eurozone crisis, global foreign direct investment (FDI) increased by 16 percent to $1.536 trillion in 2011, a UN report said.

According to 'World Investment Report 2012' conducted by UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global FDI is expected to increase at a slower rate in 2012 due to slower global economic growth, to $1.6 trillion, Xinhua reported.

FDI inflows in the US in 2011 totalled $227 billion, marking a 15-percent increase. The 27-member European Union saw a surge by 32 percent to $421 billion.

In China, the total FDI inflow reached $124 billion, increasing by 8 percent and in India, it stood at $67 billion, up by 31 percent.

About 45 percent of the investment went to developing countries in 2011, representing an 11 percent increase to $684 billion, said the report Thursday.

UNCTAD economists expect global FDI to increase to $1.8 trillion in 2013 and $1.9 trillion in 2014, though uncertainty for investors during this time period remains high.