TBILISI, DFWatch – The energy sector receives the largest share of direct foreign investments this year.

Investments increased 7 percent in the second quarter of 2012 compared to same period in 2011, and totaled USD 219 million, according to preliminary figures from Georgia’s state statistics bureau GeoStat.

According to preliminary data for the first half of the year, the extent of direct foreign investment was USD 488 in first six months of 2012. This is 29 percent more than first half of 2011.

The top countries of origin are Netherlands, which accounted for 37 percent, Azerbaijan – 10 percent, Luxemburg – 6 percent, UK with 6 percent, Turkey – 5 percent, Kazakhstan – 3 percent and Cyprus – 2 percent.

The largest share of investments in the second half of 2012 went to the energy sector – 34 percent or USD 75 million.

Other sectors receiving investments are transport and community – 27 percent, manufacturing – 19 percent, finance sector – 8 percent, real assets – 4 percent, restaurants and hotels – 4 percent, agriculture – 3 percent and the rest – 1 percent.