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

Foreign companies belonging to the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) have invested more than $23 billion in Pakistan over the past decade, exceeding the country’s cumulative net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of $21 billion during the same period.

The findings were shared in OICCI’s Members’ Contribution to the Economy 2025 report released on Monday, highlighting the continued commitment of foreign-invested companies to expanding operations, reinvesting earnings and supporting Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.

According to the report, OICCI member companies collectively generated gross revenue of Rs13.1 trillion in FY2025, held total assets worth Rs42 trillion, invested Rs615 billion in capital expenditure (CAPEX), and contributed Rs3.2 trillion in government levies.

The report also highlighted the resilience of OICCI member companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of their profit before tax (PBT) moderated to 26% in rupee terms during 2021-25, compared with 35% in the previous reporting period, mainly due to exchange rate movements and a higher base effect.

In dollar terms, PBT grew at a CAGR of 11%, while turnover posted a CAGR of 21% in rupee terms and 6% in dollar terms. The analysis covers 51 listed OICCI member companies and reflects the profitability and operational resilience of foreign-invested businesses amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

The report showed that OICCI members have a broad-based footprint across key sectors of the economy. The oil, gas and energy sector accounted for 36% of total government levies paid by OICCI members, while banking, insurance, finance and leasing accounted for 75.6% of total assets and 25% of total turnover.

The telecommunications sector contributed 33% of total CAPEX, while companies operating in food and consumer products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, automobiles, engineering, shipping and airlines also made significant contributions.

OICCI Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem said the findings reaffirmed the confidence of member companies 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.

Aleem said the cumulative investment of more than $23 billion over the past decade represented a strong vote of confidence in Pakistan’s future.

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