FDI Rises 2.7% In 1Q

In January-March, foreign direct investments grew by USD235 mn to USD8.8 bn, as of April 1. Concorde Capital: FDI growth rates decelerated this quarter compared with the same period in 2004 (4.3% in 1Q04). The slow down might be attributable to the wait-and-see position investors are taking in regard to Ukraine. Uncertainty over the immediate future, particularly confusion over the government?s re-privatization plans, has restrained FDI growth this year. The government expects USD1.5-2.0 bn in foreign investments this year. In 2004, FDI rose by 23% to USD8.4 bn.