ISLAMABAD: A technical initiative to strengthen pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers’ adherence to international standards and expand their access to regulated export markets was launched on Monday by the National Productivity Organization (NPO) in partnership with industry associations.
The initiative, which is part of the Asian Productivity Organization’s Technical Expert Service (TES) programme, is being carried out from October 20 to October 30 by the Ministry of Industries and Production in association with the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA).
In order to assist Pakistani businesses in meeting international regulatory standards, it focuses on the concepts of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and FDA regulations.
International technical expert Chuan Yao of Singapore, who has more than 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, is providing technical guidance, company-level assessments, and capacity building to identify compliance gaps and recommend practical improvements.
The programme covers manufacturing processes, quality assurance and control, documentation, validation, data integrity, regulatory affairs, and inspection readiness.
Its findings are also expected to support the development of a model FDA compliance framework for wider adoption across the sector.
Addressing an industry dissemination seminar at RCCI on Oct. 26, Additional Secretary for Industries and Production Asif Saeed Khan Lughmani emphasized the need to strengthen regulatory compliance and quality standards to improve the industry’s competitiveness and expand access to international markets.
He highlighted government-industry collaboration as essential to sustainable industrial growth and export development.
RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil stressed the importance of technical capacity building and industry cooperation in helping pharmaceutical companies meet international regulatory requirements.
NPO Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to improving productivity, quality, and industrial competitiveness through specialized technical assistance and international cooperation.
PPMA Vice Chairman Usman Shaukat emphasized aligning manufacturing practices and quality management systems with international standards to strengthen export readiness, while RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf highlighted the role of collaborative initiatives in addressing industry challenges and creating business opportunities.
Further dissemination seminars are scheduled for Lahore on Oct. 28 and Karachi on Oct. 30 to share technical knowledge, expert insights, and best practices with a wider cross-section of the industry.
The program supports the export-led growth, workforce, development, and industrial competitiveness goals of URAAN Pakistan, the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-2029, and is in line with Pakistan’s Pharmaceuticals Export Strategy 2023-2027, which designates pharmaceuticals as a priority export sector.
The program’s member organizations hope to improve production skills, advance global best practices, and give Pakistani pharmaceutical and nutraceutical enterprises access to more opportunities in foreign markets.