Nicaragua sees foreign direct investment up 18 pct

MANAGUA, Mar 25 (Reuters) - Nicaragua's government said on Tuesday it expects to increase foreign direct investment by 18 percent this year, about the same rate as in 2007, with strong growth in textiles and agriculture.

Nicaragua reported foreign direct investment of $335 million last year.

Foreign firms are likely to invest in adding value to textile and agriculture goods exported by Nicaragua, government official Javier Chamorro told reporters. (Reporting by Ivan Castro; Editing by Andre Grenon)