Govt moves to boost pharma exports, launches Pharma Park plans

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) recently hosted the first National Pharma Stakeholders Dialogue at its headquarters in Karachi, an event aimed at forging a cohesive strategy to enhance the country’s pharmaceutical export ecosystem. The dialogue brought together pharmaceutical manufacturers, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and investors, creating a platform to discuss key areas for growth and innovation in the sector.

TDAP Secretary Sheryar Taj opened the event by highlighting the need for collaboration to develop an effective export strategy, improve access to finance, and modernize the industry. TDAP Director General Azhar Ali Dahar spoke on the authority’s ongoing initiatives to support the pharmaceutical sector, while Arshad Raheem, a Consultant in Pharmaceuticals, presented a comprehensive roadmap for the industry’s future.

The dialogue featured in-depth discussions on issues critical to the sector’s growth. EXIM Bank President Shahbaz H Syed assured industry leaders that the bank would provide tailored export credit insurance and guarantee schemes. State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Joint Director Raheel Soomro briefed the participants on the Export Finance Scheme for SMEs.

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) CEO Dr Obaidullah spoke on the importance of international accreditations and WHO-PIC/S compliance to build global market trust and facilitate access to international markets.

Senior leaders from pharmaceutical companies, including Haroon Qasim of PharmEvo, called for increased investment in Research & Development (R&D) and better utilisation of Clinical Research Organization (CRO) funds, with a focus on establishing WHO-accredited Bioequivalence Labs. Kamran Nasir, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA), stressed the need for policy consistency in the highly regulated pharmaceutical sector. Several participants also highlighted policy gaps, such as duty disparities affecting the import of oncology Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

Closing the event, TDAP’s Chief Executive, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical sector, encouraging manufacturers to enhance compliance standards and diversify into new high-potential markets. He stated that TDAP stands ready to support the industry in unlocking its full export potential and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global healthcare market.

In a related development, the federal government has directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to present a detailed plan for establishing a Pharma Park in Islamabad. This decision was made following a series of meetings with pharmaceutical SMEs, where challenges related to growth and innovation were discussed. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, said that such a facility is crucial for supporting pharmaceutical SMEs, offering them a platform for growth, innovation, and quality enhancement.

Haroon Akhtar also reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering SMEs, which he described as the backbone of the economy. He stressed the importance of aligning SMEs with modern technology and improving their access to finance, particularly in the export sector. He announced that a model for a Pharma Park would soon be presented to the Prime Minister, and that steps are being taken to provide export financing to boost international competitiveness.

Furthermore, the SAPM said that the government is focused on elevating the quality and standards of Pakistani SMEs to meet global requirements. This includes facilitating the participation of women entrepreneurs in the business landscape and promoting local vaccine manufacturing, with a National Vaccine Policy currently in its final stages. These initiatives are aimed at not only strengthening health security but also providing significant benefits to the SME sector.