Pakistan has received net foreign direct investment (FDI) of US$650m between July and October 2019 period, compared to US$191.9m received in first four months of last year. This represents an increase of 239 per cent YoY, mainly due to high inflow from China and Norway during this period.
 
However, this increasing trend in FDI, did not influence investment in the construction and cement sectors in the country, according to a report of the State Bank of Pakistan.
 
The breakdown shows cement attracted investment of US$15.4m and construction sector US$6.1m in 4MFY19-20, compared to US$16.2m and US$186.7m in same four months in a year ago period. It represents a fall of 89.40 per cent. In the month of October, 2019 alone both sectors attract a total FDI of US$4m.
 
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government is expecting substantial inflow of FDI in the remaining months of the financial year due to improvement in economy.