ISLAMABAD: Foreign direct investment has increased by 17 percent in the current financial year as compared to last year due to SIFC’s business-friendly policies.
SIFC’s efforts have been instrumental in attracting substantial foreign investment, further improving the business environment.
According to the data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, “Foreign investment reached $1.9 billion during the fiscal year 2024, which was $1.62 billion last year.”
Foreign direct investment stood at $169 million in June 2024 as against $122 million in the same period last year.
China has been Pakistan’s largest investor and trading partner with investments of $568 million in the last financial year.
Hong Kong was the second-largest investor with foreign direct investment of $359 million, down from $250 million last year.
Other important countries include investments of 268 million dollars from the United Kingdom, 137 million dollars from the United States and 100 million dollars from Singapore.
It is also encouraging to note that the power sector attracted the highest foreign investment, garnering $800 million in FY2024. Foreign investment in oil and gas exploration reached $304 million, up from $137 million last year.
SIFC’s business-friendly initiatives have clearly played an important role in this growth trend that has positioned Pakistan as an improved and attractive market for foreign investment.