Nicaragua with the Highest Index of FDI-GDP in Latin America in 2011

WASHINGTON, DC, October 10, 2012 (Press-News.org) A publication by the Latin Business Chronicle stated that Nicaragua was the country with the highest index of FDI as percentage of itsGDP in Latin America in 2011, with a total of 13.3 percent, followed distantly by Panama with 9.1 percent and Chile with 7.0 percent.

In 2011, Nicaragua had an extraordinary performance attracting a total of US$968 million of FDI, growing 90.5% when compared to 2010. The FDI attracted in 2011 was led mainly by the energy, telecommunications and free zones sectors, which together accounted for 52 percent of total FDI.

Nicaragua's performance not only improved in FDI attraction, but also in exports and GDP growth. According to the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN, by its acronym in Spanish), Nicaraguan exports reached US$2,264 million in 2011, increasing 22.3 percent when compared to the year before.

These are some of the factors that contributed in Nicaragua reaching a 4.7 percent GDP growth rate in 2011. In all three indicators, Nicaragua has taken the lead with the highest rates in Central America.

In 2012, Nicaragua predicts to maintain the same levels of economic performance achieved the previous year. Currently, FDI attraction in the first quarter has reached US$289 million, an increase of 76 percent when compared to the same period of 2011. In addition, exports of goods in the first semester have shown a 9 percent increase.

PRONicaragua is the Nicaraguan Investment 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.