According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, total foreign investment during the first eight months of fiscal year 2018 increased by more than 84.5 percent to clock in at $ 4.299 billion. During the cumulative period under review, investment increased by more than $ 1.968 billion against last year’s tally of $ 2.33 billion.

Of the total investment, foreign private investment increased by more than 39.2 percent to $ 1.847 billion during the eight months. Foreign Private Investment composes of direct Inflows – outflows, portfolio investments in debt and equity securities.

Reviewing the cumulative period, Chinese investments in Pakistan continue to grow substantially during the eight months of fiscal year 2018 owing primarily to the CPEC related activities which includes infrastructure and various energy projects. Total Chinese investment during the period reached $ 1.284 billion mark, with United States in the second spot with inflows of $ 553 million.

However, China continues to be the leading investor in Pakistan as investments pour in under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic Corridor and is expected to grow continuously in the coming years.

Furthermore, Foreign Public Investment during the month of February 2017 witnessed a healthy uptick against February last year. The total foreign public investment during the month surged by more than 144.3 percent, with total public investments entirely concentrated in Debt Securities at $ 144.3 million.