Nicaragua Achieved New FDI Record in 2012

    WASHINGTON, DC, July 12, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Nicaragua reached a historic record of nearly US$1.3 billion in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in 2012, representing an increase of 33 percent compared to the US$968 million reported in 2011. The main sectors were industry, commerce and services, energy, mines and free zones, which received 77 percent of total FDI inflows.

Venezuela was the largest investment partner, with a share of 16 percent of total investment inflows. Panama and the United States are in second and third place, respectively, with a share of 15 percent each. In total, 37 countries invested in Nicaragua in 2012.

"The milestone reached in 2012 shows the commitment of the Government of Nicaragua in continuing to improve the business climate, facilitate the investment process and promote the socio-economic development of the country", commented General Alvaro Baltodano, Presidential Delegate for Investment.

The statistical record is based on a total of 349 foreign investment projects, the highest amount in the country's history. Also, in 2012 the index of FDI inflows as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 12.2 percent, the highest in Central America. This indicator objectively measures the weight of the attracted FDI inflows in each country in relation to the size of its economy.

Nicaragua's capital, Managua, made the third position in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Strategy category of American Cities of the Future 2013/14 ranking, published by fDi Intelligence, a division of The Financial Times. Managua was the only city in Central America ranked in the top ten within this category. The capital was also added to Tholons' list of Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations, thanks to its improved infrastructure, competitive costs, a skilled bilingual workforce and an attractive geographical location, placing Nicaragua on the map as an up-and-comer in the industry with major players such as Sitel, 24/7 Customer and Stream Global Services.

PRONicaragua is the Nicaraguan Investment and Export Promotion Agency, established in 2002. It is a non-profit, public-private institution whose mission is to generate economic growth and job creation in Nicaragua by attracting high-quality foreign direct investment. The agency provides complimentary support services to qualified investors seeking investment opportunities in our country. For further information, please contact us at (505) 2270-6400 or http://pronicaragua.org.

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