Foreign investment in Pakistan has seen a remarkable increase of 48% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, reaching $26.8 million. This growth has been significantly supported by contributions from countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), set up in 2023, has played a crucial role in attracting foreign investments, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Other major investors included China, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with China alone investing an impressive $404 million. Pakistan’s economic ties with the Gulf region have also strengthened, particularly after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These visits led to new trade and investment commitments, including a major $2.8 billion agreement with Saudi businesses, furthering collaboration across sectors.
The increase in foreign investment supports Pakistan’s broader vision of becoming a trade hub that connects Central Asia with global markets. This strategy is aimed at fostering regional cooperation, enhancing Pakistan’s economic growth, and positioning the country as a central player in trade and commerce in the region. The government is hopeful that continued investments will help build a more dynamic economy and open up new opportunities for sustainable growth.
