FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN ARMENIA UP 65% IN H1

Interfax
Sept 1 2008
Russia

Total foreign investment in Armenia increased 65% in the first half
of 2008 year-on-year to $515.1 million, the National Statistics
Service said.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) increased 64.8% to $352.7 million.

Russia was the leading source of foreign investment in Armenia,
providing $387 million in the period (including $274 million in FDI),
followed by Argentina – $28.2 million (all was FDI) and Lebanon –
$22 million ($1.4 million). The U.S. provided $16.2 million, including
$10.19 million in FDI.

The foreign investment provided by Russia increased 220% in the
period year-on-year (and by the same amount for FDI), Argentina – up
19.7% (up 85.7%), and the U.S. – up 43.9% (up 25.2%), while foreign
investment from Lebanon declined 73.9% (down 97.3% for FDI).