SIFC facilitates $148mn in mergers and acquisitions, boosting FDI to $1.6bn in FY2024-25

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has played a vital role in facilitating business transactions worth $148 million through mergers and acquisitions in key sectors during the first eight months of the ongoing fiscal year 2024-25, according to a news report. 

Overall foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan increased by 41% during the same period, reaching $1.618 billion. This surge in investment is attributed to the SIFC’s role in improving coordination between government departments, cutting red tape, and facilitating major deals in energy, agriculture, technology, and finance.

Launched as a “single window” for investors, the SIFC has been instrumental in fostering inter-departmental coordination and accelerating project investments across various sectors, including defense, agriculture, infrastructure, IT, and energy. This has significantly enhanced investor confidence and helped streamline regulatory approvals.

The SIFC’s efforts have resulted in several notable foreign investments, including Aramco Asia’s acquisition of a 40% stake in GO Petroleum, Egypt’s MNT–Halan acquiring Advans Pakistan Microfinance Bank, and the acquisition of a 50% share in Fatima Euricom Rice Mills by Euricom SPA. 

Other significant transactions include Aquashore SA’s acquisition of a 50% stake in Total Parco Pakistan Ltd and Wafi Energy’s acquisition of a 77.42% stake in Shell Pakistan, strengthening ties between Pakistan and the Gulf region.

According to the report, the SIFC has also facilitated significant investments in Pakistan’s fintech and logistics sectors, such as Bazaar Technologies attracting over $100 million in funding and a joint venture between National Logistics Corporation and DP World Logistics to upgrade Pakistan’s infrastructure.

Additionally, the SIFC has supported the growth of the mineral sector, with the Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum 2025 held in Islamabad on April 8-9. The forum highlighted the potential for investments in mining and policy reforms, resulting in several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at fostering new partnerships.

Looking ahead, the SIFC aims to achieve its short-term FDI target of $5 billion and is setting its sights on attracting $100 billion in foreign investment in the long term. The council’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to boost Pakistan’s GDP to $1 trillion by 2035, positioning the country as an increasingly attractive destination for global investors.