ISLAMABAD, Oct 26 (APP):The National Productivity Organization (NPO), in collaboration with industry bodies, on Monday launched a technical initiative to strengthen pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers’ compliance with international standards and improve access to regulated export markets.
The initiative, conducted under the Ministry of Industries and Production in collaboration with the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), runs from Oct. 20 to 30 under the Asian Productivity Organization’s Technical Expert Service (TES) programme.
It focuses on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) principles and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements to help Pakistani companies meet international regulatory expectations.
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 initiative is aligned with Pakistan’s Pharmaceuticals Export Strategy 2023-2027, which identifies pharmaceuticals as a priority export sector, and supports the export-led growth, workforce development and industrial competitiveness objectives of URAAN Pakistan, the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-29.
Through the programme, the participating organizations aim to strengthen manufacturing capabilities, promote international best practices and help Pakistani pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies access broader opportunities in global markets.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
