TDAP holds national pharma stakeholders dialogue

KARACHI: The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) on Friday successfully convened the first National Pharma Stakeholders Dialogue at its headquarters. The landmark event brought together major pharmaceutical manufacturers, 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 the dialogue’s objective to create a collaborative platform focused on export strategy, access to finance, and industry modernization.

Azhar Ali Dahar, Director General of TDAP, outlined the authority’s ongoing initiatives for the sector, while a comprehensive roadmap presentation was delivered by Mr. Arshad Raheem, Consultant Pharmaceutical.

The dialogue featured robust discussions on critical areas for growth. 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 has 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 Himmah Capital, Martin Dow, 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).