Latest news with #PharmaExportPromotionCouncil
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
CCP grants six exemptions to pharma sector
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has granted six exemptions to undertakings in the pharmaceutical sector for the fiscal year 2024–25, under Section 5 of the Competition Act, 2010, read a press statement on Thursday. These exemptions relate to specific restrictive clauses in commercial agreements—such as territorial exclusivity and non-compete provisions—that would ordinarily be considered anti-competitive under Section 4 (Prohibited Agreements) of the Act, CCP said. However, after conducting rigorous due diligence, including a detailed assessment of market structures, sector-specific regulations, and the commercial terms of the agreements, CCP determined that the arrangements in question contribute to production efficiency, technological advancement, and enhanced consumer access to critical pharmaceutical products. The commission noted that these exemptions are expected to improve service delivery, increase the availability of medicines in underserved regions, and lead to better public health outcomes. 'Consumers stand to benefit from access to advanced pharmaceutical technologies, more reliable product information, and higher standards of service,' it said. The commission informed that each exemption was granted for a specific duration and is subject to conditions that ensure the pro-competitive benefits clearly outweigh any potential adverse effects on competition. 'Importantly, the undertakings are required to avoid any form of price-fixing or collusive conduct, and pricing arrangements remain outside the scope of these exemptions,' the commission stated. On Wednesday, the federal government, in an effort to boost pharmaceutical exports, announced the establishment of an empowered Pharma Export Promotion Council, PharmEx Pakistan, under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Commerce minister says committed to boosting pharma exports
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan reaffirmed his commitment to boosting pharmaceutical exports, announcing the establishment of an empowered Pharma Export Promotion Council, PharmEx Pakistan, under the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). 'The pharmaceutical sector has huge export potential, and PharmEx Pakistan is just one or two steps away from becoming operational,' said the minister. He appreciated the industry's rapid progress and assured continued government facilitation to achieve global export targets. On trade with Afghanistan, he stated, 'With every passing day, our relations are growing stronger and more streamlined — pharmaceutical exports will rise accordingly.' The minister's remarks came during a presentation by Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association (PPMA) Chairman Touqeerul Haq, who briefed him on the formation of PharmEx Pakistan, a public-private initiative to promote and manage pharmaceutical exports. Chairman Touqeerul Haq praised the minister's prompt action in addressing critical issues, stating it helped the industry avoid major financial losses. He added that PharmEx Pakistan has the potential to raise pharmaceutical exports from $700 million to $3 billion. The initiative builds on strong sectoral growth, with exports rising from USD 270 million in 2020–21 to $355 million in 2024–25, as noted in the latest industry figures. Touqeerul Haq also called for better facilitation of exports to Afghanistan, a key market, and welcomed the minister's assurance of focused policy coordination. PharmEx Pakistan is expected to serve as a dedicated platform to enhance regulatory compliance, market access, and international outreach for Pakistani pharmaceutical products. The Minister assured the association of the Ministry's commitment to resolve the issues faced by the exporters and announced the establishment of a dedicated Exporter Facilitation Desk in the Ministry to help the export industry with critical matters requiring urgent intervention of the government. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
