Singapore - China and Japan share first place as Asia's best investment destinations for foreign firms, a published study said on Friday.

More than 200 international company executives participated in the survey conducted by financial advisory firm Ernst & Young and the Japan External Trade Organization.

Seven out of 10 of the executives polled were in companies operating in Asia, said The Straits Times.

China and Japan each were picked by 27 per cent of the respondents for the joint-first spot.

The runner-up was India, with 11 per cent.

Singapore and Hong Kong were tied in third place, with 10 per cent each.

South Korea emerged fourth with 5 per cent, trailed by Vietnam with 4 per cent. Malaysia was selected by 1 per cent of the respondents.

In terms of foreign direct investment projects, China attracted 1,171 or 38 per cent of the investments that went into Asia in 2007.

India followed, with 676, and Vietnam, with 260. (dpa)