Maharashtra, Delhi NCR corner 54% of FDI in FY11

Maharashtra and Delhi & National Capital Region (NCR) attracted over 50% of the foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the country during 2010-11, according to the industry ministry data.

Maharashtra attracted maximum foreign inflows at $6.09 billion (Rs 27,669 crore), which is 35% of the country's total FDI of $19.42 billion during 2010-11.

Delhi & NCR, including parts of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, received $2.67 billion (Rs 12,184 crore) FDI during the last financial year.

The NCR cornered 19% of the country's total FDI.

According to experts, the main reason for the maximum inflows into Maharashtra and NCR is substantial improvement in infrastructure.

"Infrastructure in these areas have improved considerably and that is making them attractive destination for FDI in India," an economist said.

Tamil Nadu, including Pondicherry, attracted FDI inflows worth $1.35 million during the period, followed by Karnataka ($1.33 billion), Andhra Pradesh ($1.26 billion) and Gujarat ($724 million).

Sectors which attracted maximum FDI include services, telecommunication, metallurgical industries, power, computer hardware and software, and construction activities.

During the period under review, the highest FDI of $6.98 billion came from Mauritius followed by Singapore ($1.70 billion), Japan ($1.56 billion), the US ($1.17 billion) and the Netherlands ($1.21 billion).

Overall, FDI inflows dropped by 25% to $19.42 billion during 2010-11 against $25.83 billion in the year-ago period.