ISLAMABAD: According to data issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on July 19, China has emerged as the largest investor in Pakistan in fiscal year 2024 (FY24) with a net foreign direct investment (FDI) of $568.2 million.
The second and third highest ranks in terms of net FDI were held by Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, with net investments worth $358.51 million and $268.19 million, respectively. It is pertinent to note that the total FDI in FY24 stood at $1.9bn, up 16.88% YoY compared to FDI of $1.63bn in FY23.
China held the majority proportion (29.88%) of direct investments in the country, however, investment from the respective country has declined substantially by 17.95% YoY when compared with the figure of $692.52m in FY23.
Hongkong’s contribution in net FDI stood at $358.51m (18.85%) in the FY24, up by 43.3% YoY compared to $250.18m in SPLY. The third major investor during FY24, United Kingdom’s share was 14.1% with a direct investment of $268.19m, declining by 0.61% YoY.
Other major important investors were the United States, Singapore and Canada with a net FDI of $137.29m, $100.06m, and $95.52m respectively. The Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI), which represents an investment in the equity market (both direct and indirect) during FY24 stood at positive $175.68m. –Agencies