Xinhua reported that foreign direct investment into southwest China's Sichuan Province grew 107.9% in the first half despite the impact of earthquake in May.

Sichuan Provincial Commerce Department statistics show that foreign businesses invested USD 1.8 billion in Sichuan from January to June. The statistic shows that the province approved 184 new foreign funded businesses in the first six months down by 12.8% YoY. But the contractual capital stood at USD 4.2 billion up by 207.5%.

A commerce department spokesman said the May 12 quake inflicted heavy losses to Sichuan, but the province's productive capabilities, material foundation and economic fundamentals did not suffer fundamental damages. He said that "After the quake, many foreign businesses still pay attention to Sichuan's development, eye the investment environment here with optimism, and increase their investment."

Mr Kenneth Macpherson MD of Diageo Greater China said Sichuan was recovering and developing, and the quake did not make him lose confidence in the province. He pledged to continue to invest in Sichuan.