A recent study, conducted by industry body FICCI, has suggested that in the year 2008, the biggest investor among the 10-nation ASEAN bloc in India, was Singapore.

In 2005, investment from the island city state was Rs 1,416.90 crore.

The second biggest investor was Malaysia, with an investment of Rs 453.80 crore last year, which is a big jump from its Rs 21.30 crore in 2005.

The chamber specified: "The interest of these two nations and other countries in the Asean bloc is expected to get a shot in the arm after the signing of the free trade pact between India and ASEAN next month."

A notable increase in flow of FDI from Indonesia was seen - to Rs 24.50 crore in 2008 from Rs 4.20 crore in 2005.

It should be noted though that a decline in FDI flows from Thailand and the Philippines was seen during 2008. While Philippines' investment fell from Rs 4.20 crore in 2005 to Rs 7 lakh in 2008; Thailand invested Rs 12.90 crore, as against its Rs 23.30 crore investment in 2005.

Petroleum and natural gas, IT and mining and construction were the sectors that lured the investors.

No investment was made by Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Brunei in 2008.