FDI inflows up 50% during Jan-Aug

Despite the uncertain economic environment globally, foreign direct investment (FDI) in India surged 50 per cent to $20.76 billion from January-August, according to the industry ministry’s latest data.

During January-August 201O, the country attracted FDI worth $13.85 billion. Experts maintain that the government should further streamline policies and make the environment more conducive to FDI. The sectors that attracted maximum FDI during the first eight months this year include services, telecom, housing and real estate, construction and power. the industry ministry data showed.

Mauritius, Singapore, the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Japan, Germany and the UAE, among other countries, are the major investors in India. FDI inflows totalled $19.42 billion in this financial year, down from $25.83 billion last year. Recently, the government further liberalised the FDI regime, allowing overseas investment.