Pharma exports

There are over 750 pharmaceutical companies operating in Pakistan. They manufacture export quality medicines, while producing no pollution and do not consume too much power. The industry hires mostly female workers, while supporting a whole chain of suppliers for its local production. Pakistan can increase its pharmaceutical exports by $10-20 million annually by helping these industries become export ready. The people at DRAP are all hard-working but they have no idea how the export of generic medicines works.

If the current PTI government were to give each pharmaceutical company a $14,500 interest free loan from the CRF it would substantially enlarge Pakistan’s pharmaceutical exports. But if the government fails to avail this opportunity than generic drugs manufacturers from other countries will flood the market with their products, making it harder for Pakistani firms to compete in future.

Dr Rohail Baseer

Peshawar