Pakistan attracted net foreign direct investment (FDI) of $178.6 million in July 2026, the first month of fiscal year 2026-27, with China remaining the country’s largest source of investment at $63.2 million, accounting for about 35.4% of total net FDI, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). According to a Gwadar Pro's report on Friday, the country recorded gross FDI inflows of $304.0 million and outflows of $125.4 million in July 2026, resulting in net FDI of $178.6 million. A year earlier, net FDI stood at $223.5 million, with inflows of $333.5 million and outflows of $110.1 million.

China recorded gross inflows of $104.0 million and outflows of $40.8 million, leaving net investment of $63.2 million. Canada ranked second with $35.8 million in net FDI, followed by Hong Kong at $20.2 million, Switzerland at $16.8 million, the United Kingdom at $15.9 million, the United Arab Emirates at $10.2 million, Kuwait at $8.5 million, South Korea at $8.0 million, Bahrain at $4.8 million, France at $3.7 million and Singapore at $3.4 million.

The Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and South Africa recorded negative net investment during the month. Countries other than China together contributed $115.4 million, or about 64.6% of Pakistan’s total net FDI in July. Sector-wise, financial and insurance activities were the largest recipient of net FDI at $63.3 million, followed by electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply at $60.8 million and wholesale and retail trade at $41.5 million.

Manufacturing attracted $13.2 million, while construction received $11.6 million. Mining and quarrying recorded a net outflow of $22.8 million, while information and communication posted a net outflow of $9.4 million.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China