Foreign direct investment in CIS 28% up in 2013

The increase in FDI in the Commonwealth of Independent States is attributed to a 57% increase in FDI in the Russian Federation. In 2013 Russia received a total of $79 billion in FDI. Foreign investors are attracted to Russia by the stable and high growth rate of the domestic market and rising production. Russia is one of the top five investors and investment recipients.

Over the last ten years the FDI growth rate in transition economy countries was the world's highest. In 2013 FDI in Ukraine was halved to $3.8 billion while FDI in Kazakhstan dropped by 29% to $10 billion.

Developed nations were the key investors in transition economy countries. The European Union accounted for over two thirds of the total volume of investments poured into the CIS.

Experts believe that the desire to get access to natural resources and expanding local consumer markets was the primary driving factor for investors from the European Union in the CIS.

The world investment report reads that China has expanded its presence on markets of the CIS states recently by purchasing domestic and foreign assets, BelTA reports.

In 2013 the world's total foreign direct investment volume amounted to $1.45 trillion, 9% up from 2012. UNCTAD expects the global FDI to reach $1.6 trillion in 2014, $1.75 trillion in 2015, and $1.85 trillion in 2016. Investments in developed economies are indicated as the engine to drive the growth.