RIZWAN BHATTI

KARACHI: Despite Covid-19 pandemic, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) continued its rising trend in Pakistan and posted a healthy growth of 127 percent during the first ten months of current fiscal year (FY20). The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed on Monday that Pakistan attracted FDI amounted to $2.281 billion during July-April of FY20 compared to $1.006 billion in the corresponding period last fiscal year, showing an increase of $1.275 billion. During the period under review, FDI inflows were $2.872 billion against outflow of $590 million.

Foreign investment in the country is also showing upward trend on month-on-month basis. FDI surged by 32 percent to $133 million in April 2020 versus $101 million in April 2019. During the April FDI inflows were $175 million as against outflow of $42 million.

Country-wise analysis showed that China contributed some 38 percent share in overall investment arrived in the country. China is the largest investing country with an investment of $877 million during the first nine months of this fiscal year compared to $40 million in same period of last fiscal year

Norway stood second with an investment of $288 million mainly in telecommunication sector. While, Hong Kong ranked third with investment inflows of $189 million.

According to SBP portfolio investment remained stood negative with $183 million outflows during July-April of FY20.

Total foreign investment including FDI, portfolio investment and foreign public investment was $1.864 billion in July-April of FY20 compared to negative $402 million in same period of FY19, depicting an increase of 563 percent.