Islamabad: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 2,477 new companies in October 2024. This recent increase brings the total registered companies in Pakistan to 233,587, showing rising confidence in the country’s corporate sector.
SECP’s digitization initiative continues to play a pivotal role, with 99% of the new company registrations processed through its online system. This online approach aligns with SECP’s mission to create a tech-driven, transparent regulatory environment, streamlining business processes and promoting ease of doing business in Pakistan.
Company Types and Composition
The majority of newly registered companies were private limited companies, which accounted for 57% of the total registrations. Single-member companies represented 41%, while the remaining 2% consisted of public unlisted companies, not-for-profit organizations, trade organizations, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs). This breakdown reflects the diversity and adaptability of Pakistan’s corporate landscape.
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Sectoral Growth Highlights IT and E-commerce
The Information Technology (IT) and E-commerce sectors led the registration growth, with 556 new companies in October. The Services sector followed closely with 486 new registrations. Other major contributors included the Trading sector, which added 388 new companies, and Real Estate Development & Construction, which saw 270 new registrations. Additionally, sectors like Food, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Tourism, and Transport also showed notable growth, collectively adding hundreds of new businesses to the economy. The Energy, Power & Fuel sector contributed with 221 new registrations, showcasing a balanced expansion across industries.
Foreign Investment Continues to Rise
Foreign investment in Pakistan’s corporate sector is also gaining momentum, with 48 new companies receiving capital from international investors. These investments came from Afghanistan, China, France, Germany, Malaysia, Oman, and Turkey, with China emerging as the largest contributor, establishing 39 new companies. Afghanistan followed with four investments, while other countries contributed one company each. This steady increase in foreign investment underlines Pakistan’s growing attractiveness as a business destination and reflects the SECP’s efforts to create a welcoming environment for global investors.
The SECP’s efficient registration process and continued focus on technology-driven solutions have encouraged both local and foreign businesses to invest in Pakistan’s economy. The agency’s commitment to modernizing the regulatory framework has proven instrumental in supporting corporate sector growth, helping Pakistan establish itself as a competitive business hub in the region.
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