PPMA calls for govt backing for exports

PPMA seeks government support to boost pharmaceutical exports, proposes Pharma Export Promotion Council creation.

ISLAMABAD:

A delegation from the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), led by its chairman, met with Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan to address the challenges facing the sector and request government support to boost pharmaceutical exports. The chairman emphasised that 95% of Pakistan's pharmaceutical production is local, with only 5% imported, underscoring an opportunity for export growth.

The chairman highlighted that Pakistan's current pharmaceutical exports stand at $341 million, but with adequate government backing, this figure could grow into the billions. To facilitate this growth, he proposed establishing a Pharma Export Promotion Council as a central organisation to drive the development of this innovation-led sector.

The commerce minister urged the PPMA to submit a detailed proposal to enhance exports, assuring them that the Ministry of Commerce, through the Export Development Fund, would provide the necessary support.