Home »Business and Economy » Pakistan » July-November FDI down 27 percent

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) posted a decline of 27 percent during the first five months of current fiscal year 2012-13 (FY13). Economist said that foreign investors are reluctant to invest in Pakistan because of energy crisis and unclear economic policies. Worst law & order situation and poor industrial infrastructure are some of the major hurdles in foreign investment, they added.

They said despite the fact foreign investment is one of main sources to build up the country''s foreign exchange reserves, it is on decline for last few years. Although the federal government has already announced a liberal policy for foreign investors, which allows foreign investors to repatriate 100 percent profit and dividend earned on investment in Pakistan.

The State Bank of Pakistan on Friday revealed that with a decline of 27.1 percent or $113.7 million, FDI fell to $305.6 million during July-November of FY13 compared to $419.3 million in corresponding period of last fiscal year. During the period under review, portfolio investment witnessed upward trend while, FDI continues to decline.

However, the second component of foreign private investment ie portfolio investment posted a positive trend and attracted $144.8 million investment in first five months of current fiscal year against $81 million outflow in the same period of last fiscal year.

Overall foreign private investment, comprising foreign direct investment and portfolio investment, increased by some 33 percent during July-November of FY13 owing to some improvement in portfolio investment. Inflows of foreign private investment in Pakistan surged to $450.4 million in July-November of FY13 compared to $338.3 million in the corresponding period of last fiscal year, depicting an increase of $112.1 million.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2012


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