Pakistan, China boost pharmaceutical manufacturing partnership with major B2B summit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China have taken a significant step towards strengthening pharmaceutical manufacturing and healthcare cooperation with the launch of a two-day business-to-business (B2B) investment conference designed to attract foreign investment, promote technology transfer and expand industrial collaboration between the two countries. The Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical & Healthcare B2B Investment Conference 2026 is jointly organised by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, and the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The conference has brought together around 160 Chinese pharmaceutical companies, represented by nearly 180 delegates, alongside approximately 340 Pakistani pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare companies and entrepreneurs. Through B2B meetings, networking sessions and investment discussions, participants are exploring opportunities for joint ventures, technology transfer and long-term commercial partnerships. Pakistan aims to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing Speaking at the opening session, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal said Pakistan currently manufactures around 85% of its finished medicines, yet continues to import nearly 90% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other raw materials required for production. He said expanding cooperation with Chinese manufacturers and investors could help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported pharmaceutical inputs, strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and build a more resilient pharmaceutical supply chain. The minister noted that increased local production of pharmaceutical raw materials would not only improve medicine security but also enhance the country’s industrial competitiveness and reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Focus on investment, innovation and technology transfer Organisers said the conference is designed to foster strategic partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical equipment manufacturers and healthcare technology providers. Discussions are focusing on investment opportunities, advanced manufacturing technologies, research collaboration, regulatory cooperation and the localisation of pharmaceutical production. Officials believe stronger collaboration could help Pakistan improve production standards, encourage innovation and expand exports of pharmaceutical products to regional and international markets. Supporting Pakistan’s economic reform agenda The initiative comes as Pakistan continues implementing economic reforms under its US$7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme while placing renewed emphasis on attracting foreign direct investment, strengthening industrial production and increasing exports. Authorities expect the conference to generate long-term industrial collaboration, improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector and further reinforce the strategic economic partnership between Pakistan and China. The event also reflects Pakistan’s broader efforts to position its pharmaceutical and healthcare industries as key sectors for future investment, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth. Stay informed, stay ahead! pk/17-Jul-2026/pakistan-china-boost-pharmaceutical-manufacturing-partnership-major-b2b-summit” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>Read full story on Dental News