India turned out to be the sub region’s largest
recipient receiving foreign direct investments worth $42 billion in 2018.
The investment in India billion with strong
inflows in manufacturing, communication and financial services.
According to the report, FDI inflows have
increased by 3.5% to $54 billion.
India attracted over 77% of the total foreign
direct investments ultimately landed up to the South Asian region.
The growth in India in cross-border merger and
acquisitions (M&As) reached $33 billion in 2018 from $23 billion a year
ago.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka rose to a record level,
to $3.6 billion and USD 1.6 billion, respectively, while Pakistan witnessed a
27% decline in investment to USD 2.4 billion, the report read.
Several countries adopted policy measures to
promote and facilitate investment with India
To amend the model concession agreement on
public-private partnerships in the port sector.
The report highlighted that of the 5,400 special
economic zones (SEZs) in the world, more than 4,000 are in developing countries
in Asia.
China topped the list at 2,543 followed by
Philippines (528),
India with 373, Turkey – 102, Thailand – 74
Korea 47, Malaysia – 45.