Pakistan received $120 million in net foreign direct investment (FDI) from China during the first two months of the current fiscal year (July–August), according to the latest report released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday. This amount makes up almost one-third (32.9%) of the total $364.3 million FDI inflows the country recorded during the same period.
China continues to be Pakistan’s largest investment partner, and officials expect these inflows to increase further in the coming months. This optimism comes after a series of high-level visits and agreements aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif completed a six-day official visit to China, where both sides signed 21 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and joint venture agreements. These agreements are worth around $8.5 billion and cover multiple sectors. Importantly, they also mark the formal start of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative that focuses on infrastructure, energy, and industrial development in Pakistan.
In addition, President Asif Ali Zardari also took part in key meetings this week. His engagements focused on new cooperation agreements in areas such as agriculture, vocational training, and environmental sustainability. These MoUs are expected to boost collaboration in sectors that directly impact Pakistan’s economy and society, while also creating more opportunities for skill development and sustainable growth.
Experts believe that the combination of rising Chinese investment, fresh agreements under CPEC, and Pakistan’s efforts to attract more foreign capital could help the country overcome its economic challenges and push for long-term stability.
