Pakistan as late as early 2017 faced energy shortfalls of over 4,500 MW on a regular basis[1] with routine power cuts of up to 12 hours per day,[2] which has shed an estimated 2–2.5% off its annual GDP.[28] The Financial Times noted that Pakistan's electricity shortages are a major hindrance to foreign investment, and that Chinese investments in Pakistani infrastructure and power projects will lead to a "virtuous cycle" that will make the country more attractive for foreign investment in a variety of sectors.[270] Poor availability of electricity is considered by the World Bank to be a main constraint to both economic growth and investment in Pakistan.