Foreign direct investment climbs to USD1.733 billion in July to April period

Foreign direct investment in the country during the first ten months of the current fiscal year increased by 12.7 percent to $1.733 billion as against $1.537 billion of the same period last year.

The statistics compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan showed that overall foreign investment in the country recorded an increase of 105 percent to 2.323 billion as compared with 1.133 billion dollars of the same period last year.

Foreign pubic investment was around 977.5 million dollars while selling from foreign investors in the equity market stood around 388 million dollars during July to April period which was slightly higher by 3 million dollars when compared with the same period last year.

Notable feature of the foreign inflows was that food group recorded most of the flows arriving from Netherland after shares of Engro Food was bought amounting to 475 million dollars. Power sector showed an overall foreign investment of 423 million dollars, while one significant feature about the statistics was that construction sector too witnessed foreign investment. Construction sector recorded an investment of 356 million dollars during the period, while electronics and oil & exploration sectors registered an investment of 153 million dollars and 118 million dollars respectively during the first ten months of the current fiscal year.

Country wise break up showed that investment from China was highest in the number, amounting to 718 million dollars, while 475 million dollars arrived from Netherland. While from France and Turkey investment to the tune of 171 million dollars and 131 million dollars respectively parked into the country.