India 4th most attractive investment destination

India has been ranked as the fourth most attractive investment country and the preferred location for call centre and back office activities, according to a survey by global consultant firm Ernst and Young.

The Ernst and Young European Attractiveness Survey 2006, which was released today in La Baule, France, said the US and China remained the top two preferred countries for international decision makers.

"India's rating in 2006 is on par with the previous year," the survey said, adding that the country still lagged behind China in attracting foreign direct investment.

While China achieved the lead position for manufacturing operations, India has emerged the top country for call centres and back office functions.

The survey findings also indicated a decline in India's attractiveness for call centre functions. Germany and USA/Canada trailed India in BPO functions.

India was at number five among the top 10 countries for research and development centres.

India was placed after USA/Canada, Germany, the UK and France.