Direct investment in Bulgaria grows nearly two-fold in 6 months

Foreign direct investment in Bulgaria in the first half of the year almost doubled, compared to the same period in 2011. BNB data showed that over €846 mln have entered the country, or 2.1% of GDP. Meanwhile, foreign capital stood at nearly €377 mln for the same period in 2011.

Most foreign investors focused on immovable property in Bulgaria. The sum of €141 mln is impressive, especially compared to last year's figures. Most foreign capital came from the Netherlands, Switzerland and Russia. The reason is that some foreign banks with branches in Bulgaria are registered in these countries. Thus, Bulgaria is among the first 50 countries in the world in terms of this indicator. These figures were revealed by the UN World Investment Report in 2011. It is expected foreign direct investment to increase by 15% in 2012. Manufacturing attracted the most foreign capital. The influx of fresh money in telecommunications, energy and manufacturing on a global scale is about 40%, while in Bulgaria these sectors attract twice as much foreign investment, 90% of it coming from EU states.

Eight sectors of the Bulgarian economy with a high potential to attract investment will be advertised in various non-EU countries, such as the Arab countries, China, etc. Big international companies are exploring conditions in Bulgaria as an attractive outsourcing destination and are willing to open factories in the country.

Interest in immovable property is still high. An Israeli company, operating in this sector, plans to invest over €200 mln over the next five years. British real estate investment fund will build a ski complex in the resort of Pamporovo for €5 mln, and well-known Russian company is going to construct an office centre in Sofia for €25 mln.

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