KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) hosted the first Pharma Stakeholders Dialogue at its office, bringing together major pharmaceutical manufacturers and exporters, regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and investors to forge a unified strategy for enhancing Pakistan’s pharmaceutical export ecosystem.
In his opening address, Secretary TDAP, Sheryar Taj, emphasized that the dialogue’s objective is to develop an inclusive roadmap for the promotion of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports in consultation with all key stakeholders. He highlighted Pakistan’s rising pharmaceutical export potential and TDAP’s extensive role in supporting market access through global exhibitions, delegations, and its flagship event, the Health Engineering and Minerals Show (HEMS).
Director General (E&M), Azhar Ali Dahar, elaborated on TDAP’s facilitation initiatives and highlighted the Authority’s strategic efforts to open new export corridors for Pakistani pharmaceuticals. He emphasized TDAP’s recent achievements, particularly the successful export orders secured during the Made in Pakistan Expo in Ethiopia, which have significantly strengthened Pakistan’s penetration into the African continent under the Government’s Look Africa Policy.
He further highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s foothold in less stringent and non-traditional markets, as well as developing a roadmap for SRA markets, along with possible financing models with the assistance of SBP, EXIM Bank, EDF, and investment firms to enable exporters to scale operations, meet global compliance requirements, and access high-value markets.
The dialogue featured robust discussions on critical areas for growth. A comprehensive roadmap presentation was delivered by Arshad Raheem, Consultant Pharmaceutical TDAP. Shahbaz H Syed, President of EXIM Bank, assured the industry of the bank’s full backing through tailored export credit insurance and guarantee schemes. Likewise, Joint Director SBP, Raheel Soomro briefed about Export Finance Scheme for SMEs.
Dr Obaidullah, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), underscored the necessity for international accreditations and WHO-PIC/S compliant systems to build global market trust and facilitate market access. Senior industry leaders, including Haroon Qasim of PharmEvo, called for increased investment in Research & Development (R&D), better utilization of Clinical Research Organization (CRO) funds, and the establishment of WHO-accredited Bioequivalence Labs. The Executive Director of the Engineering Development Fund (EDF) committed to supporting this critical infrastructure development.
Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA), Kamran Nasir, commended TDAP’s initiative and highlighted the vital importance of policy consistency in this highly regulated sector. Representatives from leading firms including Searle, Martin Dow, Scilife, Oncogen, Bio-Ferozsons, and Curexa/Highnoon contributed sector-specific insights, identifying policy gaps such as duty disparities affecting the import of oncology Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).
Chief Executive TDAP, Faiz Ahmad Chadhar, reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s full commitment to strengthening the pharmaceutical industry and emphasized the increased liasion between government institutions and industry. He urged pharmaceutical manufacturers to enhance compliance standards and diversify beyond traditional export destinations, noting the sector’s improved quality and growing readiness for high-potential markets. He concluded by assuring that TDAP remains fully committed to supporting the pharmaceutical sector in every possible way to help unlock its export potential and position Pakistan as a competitive player in the global healthcare economy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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