On August 29, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Foreign direct investment in the economy of the Vitebsk region in the first half of this year increased 4.2 times compared to the same period last year and amounted to $30 million, BELTA was informed by the economics committee of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee. In January-June 2011, $455.7 million of foreign investment was received in the region's economy, of which 6.6% accounted for foreign direct investment. The main forms of their attraction are loans and borrowings, which account for 59.4% of the total volume of direct investment, and reinvestment (37.5%). $7.4 million was attracted to industrial production, and $1.5 million to the creation of trade facilities, hotels, and restaurants. The main investors are economic entities of the Russian Federation, whose share of investments exceeded half, as well as European countries, which account for 43% of investments. As noted by the economics committee, 13 investment agreements with a total investment volume of Br250 billion are currently under consideration. Based on the results of negotiations with investors, the amount of attracted foreign direct investment this year is estimated at $114 million, including on a net basis (excluding debt to a direct investor for goods, works or services) it is expected to be over $50 million. -0-

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