OICCI members invest over $23bn in Pakistan in a decade, surpassing net FDI inflows

Foreign investors continue to demonstrate strong confidence in Pakistan's economic potential, with companies belonging to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) investing more than $23 billion in the country over the past decade.

This exceeds Pakistan's cumulative net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of $21 billion during the same period.

What did the OICCI report find about foreign investment in Pakistan?

OICCI's Members' Contribution to the Economy 2025 report, released on Monday, found that member companies invested over $23 billion in Pakistan over the past decade. The figure highlights the sustained commitment of member companies to expanding their operations, reinvesting earnings and supporting the country's long-term economic development.

The report also details the broader economic contribution of OICCI member companies in FY2025. Collectively, they generated Rs13.1 trillion in gross revenue, held Rs42 trillion in total assets, invested Rs615 billion in capital expenditure and contributed Rs3.2 trillion in government levies. These figures underscore their role as major investors, taxpayers and drivers of economic activity.

How did listed OICCI companies perform financially?

This economic contribution was supported by the continued resilience of OICCI members listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Among 51 listed member companies covered in the report, profit before tax (PBT) grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% in rupee terms during 2021 to 2025, compared with 35% in the previous reporting period. The moderation was largely attributed to exchange-rate movements and a higher base effect.

In dollar terms, PBT grew at a CAGR of 11%, while turnover increased at a CAGR of 21% in rupee terms and 6% in dollar terms. These figures reflect the sustained profitability and operational resilience of foreign-invested businesses despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Which sectors contributed most to OICCI members' economic impact?

The report highlights the diverse sectoral contribution of OICCI members. The oil, gas and energy sector accounted for 36% of total government levies paid, while banking, insurance, finance and leasing represented 75.6% of total assets and 25% of total turnover. Telecommunications accounted for 33% of total capital expenditure (CAPEX).

Companies in food and consumer products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, automobiles, engineering, shipping and airlines, among other sectors, also made substantial contributions. This reflects the broad economic footprint of OICCI member companies across Pakistan.

What did OICCI's Secretary General say about the findings?

Commenting on the report, OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem said the findings reaffirmed the confidence that member companies continue to place in Pakistan's long-term economic potential. "Our members have consistently reinvested in the country, expanded their operations and continued contributing to national development despite challenging economic conditions," he said. "Their cumulative investment of over $23 billion during the past decade is a strong vote of confidence in Pakistan's future."

He added that with greater policy consistency, regulatory predictability and an enabling business environment, foreign investors could make an even larger contribution to economic growth, exports, innovation and employment.