YEREVAN. – Foreign investments made to Armenia’s real sector of economy constituted US$ 586.7 million, in the first nine months of 2011, which is a 24.2-percent increase from the same time period last year, the Armenian National Statistical Service informed. And direct investments comprised $462.5, which is a 32.6-percent growth.      

The greatest portion of investments, that is, 27 percent, is directed to the production of base metals. This is followed by the telecommunication sector, with 17.4 percent, and energy, with 12 percent.

The largest investor in Armenia is still Russia, with $284 million which is nearly half of the total investments. Russia is followed by France, with $77 million. US have become Armenia’s third largest investor, for the first time, with $40 million. And in fourth place is Great Britain, with $33.6 million.

Also, Switzerland and Canada have registered the greatest investment growth rate toward Armenia. 

Furthermore, Syria, Denmark, and Kazakhstan for the first time have shown an interest in making investments in Armenia. There are investments from the Virgin Islands and Liechtenstein, too.