Foreign direct investment in Bulgaria declined by 1,173 million euro in January-August 2008 compared to the same period a year ago, Bulgarian Economy and Energy Minister Peter Dimitrov said at an investment forum on Wednesday, BTA reported.

According to the latest estimates, the FDI inflow for the eight-month period of this year amounted to 2,980 million euro or 8.8 per cent of GDP, down from 4,154 million euro or 14.4 per cent of GDP for January-August 2007.

The Minister said that the global financial crisis is affecting the interest of investors in Bulgaria. He added that the investors' problems are problems of the Bulgarian Government, which is setting itself an objective to address them.

InvestBulgaria Agency Executive Director Stoyan Stalev told journalists he hopes that in 2009 foreign direct investment in Bulgaria will stay at the level expected for 2008: 4,000-5,000 million euro.

One of the measures to promote investments is the creation of business zones, Dimitrov said. Five such zones have been created so far and another four are planned to be set up. Technical designs are being prepared for another eight business zones, while the designs and public procurement documentation for 13 more are ready, Dimitrov said.

The Minister said also that more than 100 industrial zones are expected to be set up in the next five years in projects under the Regional Development Operational Programme, for which 120 million euro will be earmarked.