China leads Pakistan in FDI and rice import growth

China remains the primary source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Pakistan. In July 2026, the first month of the 2026-27 fiscal year, Chinese investors contributed $63.2 million in net FDI, accounting for approximately 35.4% of Pakistan’s total net FDI of $178.6 million. The financial and insurance sectors, along with electricity and gas supply, were the leading recipients of net investment.

Parallel to investment trends, Pakistan’s rice exports to China have seen significant growth. Between January and July 2026, rice exports to China reached $122.99 million, a 200.49% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Export volumes rose by 265.55%, with long-grain broken rice and short/medium grain broken rice showing particularly high growth rates. Guangdong and Beijing were the top Chinese provinces receiving these shipments.