FDI in the UK crossed the £1 trillion level for the first time in 2014

FDI from India, US and France make UK the top foreign investment destination in Europe

India News Bulletin Desk

India was among the top three investors in the UK in 2014 catapulting Britain to lead other European nations in attracting maximum foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2014, the value of FDI in the UK crossed the £1 trillion level for the first time, thanks to investments from US, France and India.

2014 stats show that PM David Cameron's state visit to India in 2013 [pictured] to boost trade relations is working
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Britain now ranks third in the world after the US and China for FDI investment and first in Europe.

The annual investment figures from UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) for the 2014/15 financial year show the UK attracted 1,988 FDI projects – 12% more than the previous year.

“The scale of foreign investment is a huge success story which shows that Britain is the place to do business and is more evidence that our long term economic plan is working," said Prime Minister David Cameron. "Securing investment from overseas is a key part of our One Nation policies to create thousands of jobs, provide security and opportunities for working people throughout the UK.”

The record number of FDI projects in UK in 2014 also resulted in creating over 100,000 new and safeguarded jobs in the country.

India in the top three FDI sources for the UK

UKTI statistics revealed that FDI into the UK came from more than 70 countries with US leading the investment followed by France and India together making the top three sources. Investment from India increased by 65% in 2014 making it the UK’s third largest source of FDI. Indian investment alone accounted for more than 9,000 new and safeguarded jobs in Britain.

There was also evidence of a strengthening relationship with China with 112 projects, including 13 from Hong Kong, in 2014/15.

The Prime Minister will travel with Trade and Investment Minister Lord Maude to Milan to meet with UK and international businesses at Milan Expo 2015 to boost UK opportunities further.

In order to strengthen relationships with Britain's foreign investors including India, the Minister for Trade and Investment, Lord Maude has also announced that the fifth GREAT Global Investment Conference will take place in London on 17 September 2015.

The conference will bring together global corporate leaders and other investment stakeholders to discuss how the UK can continue to attract further high quality foreign direct investment, and to hear from industry leaders as they share their success stories.

The government has pledged to continue attracting foreign investment to further strengthen the UK economy and create more jobs.

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