Foreign Investors Repatriate Record Profits from Pakistan

Foreign investors have withdrawn a substantial amount of profits and dividends from Pakistan during the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2024. The total repatriated amount reached $887.1 million, showing a significant increase of 250.13% compared to the same period last year.

In April 2024 alone, foreign firms repatriated $56.56 million, with the financial business sector leading the way by repatriating $149.58 million. The petroleum refining sector followed with outflows of $132.66 million, while the power sector and the food and transport sectors recorded repatriations of $120.95 million, $109.19 million, and $68.38 million, respectively.

Investors from the UAE topped the list by repatriating $186.15 million, followed by the UK with $155.99 million, China with $101.32 million, and the United States with $53.77 million. The data from the State Bank of Pakistan indicates a significant increase in repatriated profits from these countries compared to the previous year.

Overall, foreign companies repatriated a total of $811.64 million from foreign direct investments, marking a growth of 290.35% from the previous year. Payments against portfolio investments also increased to $75.44 million, reflecting a growth of 66.05%.

The surge in repatriated profits and dividends from Pakistan highlights the increasing economic ties between foreign investors and the country. This trend signifies the confidence of foreign investors in Pakistan's business environment and the opportunities it offers. As Pakistan continues to attract foreign investments, it is essential to monitor these repatriations to ensure a balance between foreign investors' interests and the country's economic stability.