ISLAMABAD (LAHORE MIRROR) — Pakistan recorded a sharp increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in August, with net inflows rising to $316 million, according to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) compiled by Topline Securities.
The August inflow was 77 per cent higher than the $179 million recorded in July and represented an 80pc increase over the same month last year.
During the first two months of the ongoing fiscal year, net FDI reached $495m, up 24pc from the corresponding period of the previous year.
The increase in investment comes amid heightened economic and strategic engagement between Pakistan and its international partners.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement on Aug 7, aimed at strengthening cooperation and collective security.
Some market reports have linked the broader strategic developments to increased investor activity. However, the available FDI data does not establish the defence agreement as the direct or sole reason for the rise in investment.
The power and financial sectors attracted some of the largest inflows during August, while China, Canada and the United Arab Emirates remained among the major sources of foreign investment.
The latest figures indicate an improvement in foreign investment flows as Pakistan continues efforts to strengthen economic cooperation and attract international capital.
