ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Aamer Mahmood Kiani has emphasized the need to revitalizing the exports of pharma sector, which has the potential to fetch foreign exchange to the tune of $2.0 billion.
Current exports of therapeutic goods of Pakistan amount to $550 million whereas it has a potential to expand and increase up to $2.0 billion in coming years only if effective coordination mechanisms are established.
Minister was chairing the first meeting of Steering Committee of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Bureau on Wednesday, Press Information Department PID reported.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Sheikh Akhter Hussain, CEO Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP); official nominees from Federal Board of Revenue, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and delegates from Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA), and Pharma Bureau.
Minister assured the meeting that every possible facilitation will be provided to Pharma sector.
Minister appreciated the facilitation provided by DRAP to pharmaceutical companies for timely provision of regulatory documentation after establishing export facilitation desk.
Secretary National Health Services Capt. Rtd. Zahid Saeed, said that pharma sectors contributions in exports can be enhanced by adopting a holistic approach. DRAP is already moving towards internationalization. Pharma industry shall strive for its capacity development. Pharma sector will be facilitated in this regards within the rules and regulations.
Dr. Sheikh Akhter Hussain, Secretary of the committee / CEO DRAP briefed the committee that establishment of Pakistan Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Bureau has been mandated to Steering Committee for development of coordination mechanism among various ministries and private sector for enhancing pharmaceutical exports.
PPMA requested to declare pharma as an export sector.