AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad, February 11, 2014 (PPI-OT): The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registered 397 new limited liability companies in January, the first month of the year 2014, bringing the total corporate portfolio to 62,644 companies.
Relative to corresponding month of last year, 20% growth has been witnessed in company registrations. In the last two months the SECP registered 812 companies, showing an increasing trend towards corporatization in the country.
In addition to registration of companies, the SECP granted licenses to 3 non-profit associations. Around 91% companies registered as private limited companies, while around 5% companies registered as single-member companies. Two percent of the companies have been registered as non-profit associations under Section 42 of the 1984 Companies Ordinance. About 1% companies have been registered as public limited companies and foreign companies each.
The tourism sector took the lead in new registrations with the incorporation of 40 companies, this month, followed by services and trading with 39 each, information and technology with 28, construction with 26, communications with 24, corporate agricultural farming with 19, and food and beverages with 16 companies.
Foreign investment has been witnessed in 14 new companies. These companies have foreign investors from Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Turkey, UAE, UK and the US. These companies are from communications, mining and quarrying, power generation, pharmaceutical, fuel and energy, textile, tourism and trading sectors.
During the month of January, 124 companies each were registered at the Company Registration Office (CRO), Lahore and Islamabad. The Karachi CRO registered 82 companies, while the CROs in Peshawar, Multan and Faisalabad registered 27, 22 and 12 companies respectively. The Quetta CRO registered 6 companies.
During the month the returns for increase in the authorized capital of 79 companies were accepted, with the total authorized capital increment of Rs8.6 billion. In addition, 98 companies filed returns for increase in the paid-up capital with the total enhancement amounting to Rs8.58 billion.
Tickers:
1) SECP registered 397 companies and licensed 3 non-profit associations in January
2) Company Registration Offices in Islamabad and Lahore registered 124 companies each followed by Karachi with 82 companies
3) 40 companies have been registered in tourism sector, followed by trading and services with 39 each
4) In January foreign investment was witnessed in 14 new companies
For more information, contact:
Shakil Ahmad Chaudhary
Head, Internal and External Communication
Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP)
NIC Building, 63 Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad
Tel: +9251 921 4005 or 921 4009 (Ext. 378)
Fax: +9251 920 6459
Cell: +92302 855 2254
E-mail: shakil.chaudhary@secp.gov.pk