Preliminary data for the period January to December 2005 shows that direct foreign investment was 1.876 billion euro, or 8.9 per cent of GDP. For the previous year, direct foreign investment was 2.2782 billion euro, or 11.7 per cent of GDP.

Investment decreased by 402.2 million euro and the initial predictions for 2.2 billion euro annual foreign funding were not met, mediapool.bg reported.

No privatisation deals with foreign companies were concluded in 2005. Ten companies acquired shares in Bulgarian businesses. Most investment came from Austria- 36.6 per cent of the total amount, from Britain -10.6 per cent, and Switzerland -10 per cent.

Based on sector, most investment was attracted in the transport sphere, followed by financial co-operation and property purchase.