The Pakistani government has announced ambitious plans to establish dedicated Pharma Parks and is nearing the finalization of a National Vaccine Policy in a major push to empower the country’s struggling pharmaceutical small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The move signals a strategic effort to address operational constraints within the sector and enhance national health security.
The significant initiatives were unveiled by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan, during a crucial meeting on Friday with the SME Cluster of Rawalpindi. The session was convened to tackle the diverse challenges faced by these enterprises.
Attendees included key stakeholders such as Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Usman Shoukat and the Acting CEO of SMEDA, Nadia J. Seth. During the dialogue, representatives from pharmaceutical small businesses highlighted their specific operational difficulties and sector-wide impediments.
Mr. Khan assured the participants of the administration’s unwavering support, reiterating Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to fortify small businesses. He described these enterprises as the “backbone of Pakistan’s economy,” emphasizing their vital contribution to job creation and national exports.
Elaborating on the Pharma Parks, the SAPM confirmed that a model is currently being finalized for presentation to the Prime Minister. Alongside this infrastructure project, he pointed to government efforts aimed at improving SME access to credit and providing export financing to boost their competitiveness on the international stage.
The SAPM also underscored the government’s commitment to elevating the quality and standards of Pakistani products to meet global requirements. He stressed that commercial attachés and diplomats are being directed to proactively identify new export opportunities for local businesses.
Mr. Khan further explained that the forthcoming National Vaccine Policy is designed to promote domestic vaccine manufacturing. This initiative is expected to not only strengthen the nation’s health resilience but also provide a substantial stimulus to the SME sector and contribute to broader economic expansion.