FDI Inflows Rise

Foreign direct investments (FDI) to the Philippines inched up in April, buoyed by continued investor interest in manufacturing and strong inflows from Japan, even as the year-to-date tally remained significantly lower than last year's level.

- By KEISHA TA-ASAN

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that net FDI inflows rose by seven percent to $610 million in April from $570 million a year ago, driven mainly by higher lending by parent firms to their local affiliates.

FDI refers to the investment made by a person or company based in one country into a business or enterprise located in another country, typically to establish lasting interest or control.

Unlike portfolio investments, which involve only the buying of stocks or bonds, FDI usually involves acquiring assets, setting up operations or expanding existing businesses.