Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Cooperation Enters New Phase

A Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Investment Conference is scheduled to take place in Islamabad on July 17 and 18. The conference, involving the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and federal ministries, aims to foster investment, cooperation, and joint projects across the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology sectors between Pakistan and China.

Officials anticipate that the conference will mark a significant milestone in modernizing Pakistan’s healthcare system, enhancing the competitiveness of its pharmaceutical industry, and strengthening Pakistan-China economic cooperation. The event will feature business-to-business meetings, networking opportunities, and specialized sessions focused on investment.

Available reports suggest that the conference could lead to investment agreements worth one billion dollars, with a particular focus on boosting the local manufacturing of raw materials. The pharmaceutical industry previously faced challenges, but a deregulation policy introduced by the government in February 2024 contributed to a 34% increase in exports, a level not seen in 25 years.

Currently, Pakistan imports 90% of its medicines, although the local industry holds an 80% market share. A significant 90% of raw materials, or Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), are imported, with 80% originating from China and some from India. The initiative aims to collaborate with approximately 107 Chinese companies to localize the production of vaccines and other essential products, as Pakistan currently lacks the capacity to produce its own vaccines.

Pakistan News will update this story as more confirmed details become available.