Chinese pharmaceutical investment: Pakistan emerging as fifth largest medical making hub

LAHORE: Adeel Munawar, Commercial Ambassador Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) and Managing Partner of M & M Pharma, said that the China-Pakistan Health Corridor (CPHC) is creating new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical infrastructure, and professional training.

Speaking at a think tank session at PCJCCI Secretariat, Adeel Munawar stated that Pakistan possesses immense potential as the fifth-largest medical manufacturing hub in the region, contributing nearly 80 percent of medical-related exports.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s low production costs, strategic connectivity with regional markets, and availability of raw materials make it an attractive destination for Chinese pharmaceutical investment.

He observed that memorandums worth $250 million signed between Pakistan and China in January 2025 further reinforced bilateral cooperation in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

He highlighted that the China-Pakistan Health Corridor, initiated in 2017 under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has become a significant pillar of bilateral cooperation, focusing on medical education, healthcare infrastructure, pharmaceutical development, telemedicine, and research collaboration.

According to him, the corridor is opening new opportunities for Pakistani pharmaceutical exports to Central Asia, the Middle East, and European markets.

He further stated that the proposed establishment of a USD1 billion medical city in Pakistan by China would mark a historic milestone in bilateral healthcare cooperation. The project is expected to create thousands of employment opportunities, introduce advanced medical technologies, and strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare delivery system.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026