Pakistan Attracts $4 Billion+ in Foreign Investment: Sectors & Key Deals
Pakistan is experiencing a notable surge in foreign investment across a diverse range of sectors, signaling growing confidence in the nation’s economic prospects. From energy and logistics to technology and agriculture, international firms are increasingly establishing operations and expanding their commitments within the country, often through strategic partnerships with local businesses.
Over the past three years, through , 79 new foreign companies have initiated operations in Pakistan, collectively investing Rs40.7 billion in key sectors, according to data released by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Currently, 1,157 foreign companies are registered and actively operating within the country.
While new entrants are bolstering the economy, the market is also witnessing a dynamic pattern of companies entering and exiting. Nineteen foreign companies have exited the market over the last three years. saw 31 new companies enter, with six ceasing operations. recorded 21 entries and nine exits, while saw 27 new registrations against just four closures – a positive trend indicating increasing stability and attractiveness for foreign investors.
Beyond direct market entry, foreign investment is also manifesting through equity transactions. A total of 61 shareholding transactions involving foreign companies and local entities have been recorded, reflecting a restructuring of global portfolios and strategic realignments. These transactions include transfers between foreign companies, investments by foreign individuals, and sales to local investors and corporations.
Several high-profile deals exemplify this trend. Saudi Arabia’s Wafi Energy acquired Shell Pakistan’s operations as part of Shell’s broader global reorganization. Dubai-based PTA Global Holdings secured a majority stake in Lotte Chemical Pakistan following an agreement between Lotte Chemical and TotalEnergies. Switzerland’s Gunvor Group and Total Parco Limited jointly acquired TotalEnergies Pakistan, while Saudi Aramco took a 40 percent equity stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited. These moves demonstrate significant interest from Middle Eastern investors in Pakistan’s energy sector.
The logistics sector is also attracting attention. UAE-based DP World entered into a joint venture with the National Logistics Corporation, aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s transport and supply chain infrastructure. In the digital realm, Bazaar Technologies acquired Wemsol, and Saudi Arabia’s Waqub Data Company secured an 80 percent stake in Pakistani technology firm Woot Tech, highlighting the growing importance of the technology sector.
Significant shifts are occurring in telecommunications as well. PTCL acquired Telenor Pakistan’s operations as part of regional restructuring, with UAE telecom group e& announcing the successful completion of the acquisition. Nestlé is also increasing its investment, committing an additional $60 million, and VEON Group has increased its investment in Mobilink Bank.
The pharmaceutical industry is seeing consolidation and transfer of assets. Pfizer transferred its Karachi manufacturing plant and related assets to Lucky Core Industries to ensure continued local production, while France’s Sanofi sold its majority stake to a local investor consortium, resulting in the company being renamed Hoechst Pakistan Limited.
Agriculture is benefiting from strategic foreign partnerships, with Italy’s Euricom S.p.A. Acquiring a 50 percent stake in Fatima Euricom Rice Mills. The advertising and marketing sector is also seeing foreign involvement, as Netherlands-based Berkeley Square Holding B.V. Obtained 50 percent shareholding in Ogilvy & Mather Pakistan, Mindshare Pakistan, and Soho Square Pakistan.
The mining and minerals sector is experiencing growing international interest, with investment activity from Barrick Gold, Strategic Metals US, and Nova Minerals US. The emerging electric vehicle segment is also attracting attention, with companies like BYD, Chery Automobile, and NWTN Motors exploring opportunities in the local market.
Established global firms, including Google, Samsung, Relational, IceWarp, Pro Device, and Russoft Synercon, are expanding their operations in Pakistan’s technology and telecommunications sectors. Infrastructure development is being supported by Abu Dhabi Ports and Portugal’s Mota Engil Group.
Financial sector investment is also on the rise. Mashreq Bank has launched and is expanding Pakistan’s first digital bank, while Kuwait-backed Raqami Digital Bank plans to invest $100 million. The Engro Jazz consortium is committing more than $550 million toward digital infrastructure expansion.
Additional major inflows include a $1 billion commitment from the UAE government through a local partner, a $160 million cement capacity expansion by the Mansha Group, the entry of global logistics firm Nippon Express into TCS, and renewed capital injections into the mining and minerals sector.
The second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is further accelerating industrial cooperation, resulting in 24 business-to-business agreements worth over $1.5 billion, alongside memoranda of understanding exceeding $7 billion across agriculture, renewable energy, information technology, minerals, and industrial relocation. This demonstrates the continued importance of CPEC as a catalyst for foreign investment.
the influx of foreign capital signals a shift towards both traditional manufacturing industries and emerging digital and technology-focused sectors, positioning Pakistan for sustained economic growth and diversification.