In a significant move to elevate Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan pledged unwavering support to bolster pharmaceutical exports.
Khan announced the formation of an empowered Pharma Export Promotion Council, dubbed PharmEx Pakistan, under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
“The pharmaceutical sector has huge export potential, and PharmEx Pakistan is just one or two steps away from becoming operational,” the minister affirmed. He acknowledged the sector”s swift progress and promised ongoing governmental assistance to meet global export goals.
Discussing trade ties with Afghanistan, Khan emphasized that bilateral relations were strengthening daily, predicting a corresponding increase in pharmaceutical exports.
The minister’s statements came during a briefing by Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (PPMA) Chairman Touqeer ul Haq. Haq outlined the development of Pharmax Pakistan, a public-private enterprise aimed at advancing and managing pharmaceutical exports.
Chairman Touqeer ul Haq lauded the minister”s swift actions, noting they helped the industry avert significant financial setbacks. He highlighted Pharmax Pakistan”s capability to boost pharmaceutical exports from USD 700 million to USD 3 billion.
The initiative capitalizes on robust sectoral growth, as exports increased from USD 270 million in 2020-21 to USD 355 million in 2024-25, according to the latest data.
Touqeer ul Haq also urged for improved facilitation of exports to Afghanistan, a crucial market, and welcomed the minister”s promise of targeted policy collaboration.
Pharmax Pakistan is poised to function as a specialized platform to enhance regulatory adherence, market access, and global reach for Pakistani pharmaceutical products.
Minister Khan assured the association of the Ministry’s dedication to addressing exporters” challenges and revealed plans for a dedicated Exporter Facilitation Desk in the Ministry to aid the export sector with pressing issues necessitating immediate governmental involvement.