Investment Minister Ashraf Salman said direct foreign investments rose by 56.1 percent in fiscal 2014-2015 to reach 6.4 billion dollars, compared to 4.1 billion dollars in fiscal 2013-2014.

In a press conference held on Sunday to announce the ministry's performance, Salman said the ministry aims to attract 8-10 billion dollars as direct foreign investments in fiscal 2015-2016.

The minister added that 10,408 companies were established worth 18.2 billion dollars in fiscal 2014-2015, compared to 8,245 companies worth 12 billion dollars in fiscal 2013-2014.

The ministry aims to establish 1,000 companies monthly in the coming period, the minister further said.