The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has registered 2,617 new companies in the current year, marking a 6% increase from 2023 and bringing the total number of registered companies to 231,111.
According to SECP data, private limited companies dominated new registrations at 55%, followed by single-member companies at 41%. The remaining 4% comprised public unlisted companies, non-profit associations, trade organizations, and limited liability partnerships.
The trading sector led new registrations with 377 companies, while the services sector added 306 enterprises. Real estate development saw 237 new entries, followed by tourism and e-commerce with 125 companies, and food and beverage with 112 registrations.
In a significant digital transformation milestone, 99.8% of registrations were completed online through SECP's digital platform.
Foreign investment attracted 61 new companies, with Chinese investors establishing 43 companies, emerging as the largest foreign contributor to Pakistan's corporate sector growth.
The education sector welcomed 101 new enterprises, while healthcare and textile sectors each registered 49 new companies, strengthening key economic segments.
SECP officials note that these new enterprises are expected to contribute to local production, potentially reducing import dependency and helping address trade deficits.
The commission's partnership with SIFC (Special Investment Facilitation Council) has played a crucial role in streamlining the registration process and improving the investment climate in Pakistan.
