FDI INFLOWS INCREASED BY OVER 26% DURING AUGUST 2002

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The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows continue to post a very positive growth during 2002, bringing in US $ 2.85 billion (net of ADRs/GDRs) up to August 2002. Compared with the US $ 2.25 billion (net of ADRs/GDRs) received in the corresponding period in 2001, this represents 26.67% growth. On financial year basis, US $ 1.64 billion of FDI inflows (net of ADRs/GDRs) were received in April-August 2002 as compared with US $ 1.53 billion (net of ADRs/GDRs) received in April-August 2001, again resulting in a growth of 6.92%.