Islamabad: In the first quarter of the current financial year, China’s investment in Pakistan has increased significantly by 164%.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) from China to Pakistan totaled $404 million during the quarter, including a whopping $224.8 million in September alone.
In the last quarter, Pakistan received a total of $903.5 million in direct investment from various countries, of which China accounted for 44.8 percent.
Hong Kong, meanwhile, contributed $101.7 million to Pakistan’s FDI, while Britain invested $79.8 million.
Similarly, Switzerland contributed $32.9 million and Sweden $30 million, while the United Arab Emirates contributed $25.5 million. The rest of the FDI came from various other countries.
China maintained its position as the largest investor in September with $224.8 million in investment, accounting for 44.7 percent of the $414.6 million received from all partner countries in the month.
China’s foreign direct investment in the first quarter of the previous fiscal year was $163.9 million, which led to a 164 percent increase in Chinese investment during the current fiscal year.
In terms of investment sector, the energy sector received the highest investment of $416.3 million, with hydel power receiving $334.4 million, coal $55.9 million, and thermal power $25.9 million.
This large increase in FDI is a positive sign for Pakistan’s economy, which highlights the country’s increasing attractiveness to international investors and the facilities provided to investors.
