Pakistan Pledges Comprehensive Support for Chinese Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Investments

ISLAMABAD: During the recent two-day Pakistan–China healthcare investment summit, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal assured Chinese investors of the Pakistani government’s full support for initiatives within the nation’s pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, according to state media reports on Saturday.

China remains a pivotal ally and investor in Pakistan, having committed over $65 billion toward road, infrastructure, and development projects. Additionally, numerous Chinese private sector manufacturers are actively pursuing joint ventures within the South Asian nation.

The Pakistan–China Pharmaceutical & Healthcare B2B Investment Conference 2026, which commenced on Friday, served as a platform connecting Pakistani pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnology firms with Chinese investors, manufacturers, technology providers, and industry executives.

Speaking at the event, Minister Kamal emphasized that Islamabad is committed to facilitating Chinese companies looking to invest in the country’s medical sectors, as reported by Radio Pakistan.

“No obstacle will be allowed to hinder Chinese investment in the country,” the Minister stated.

The conference featured structured B2B meetings, networking opportunities, and investment dialogues focused on fostering joint ventures, technology transfers, contract manufacturing, and research collaborations. On the opening day alone, Pakistani and Chinese companies signed agreements totaling approximately $440 million.

This surge in cooperation arrives as Pakistan seeks economic stabilization under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, with policymakers shifting focus toward revitalizing industrial activity, attracting foreign investment, and boosting exports.

Kamal underscored the significant investment potential inherent in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.

Regarding reforms within the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), the Minister noted that the agency has evolved into a “vibrant institution” over the past year.

“Through digitization, the registration process for medical devices—which formerly took roughly two and a half years—has been reduced to approximately 20 days,” he noted, adding that DRAP has processed 4,700 registration cases over the last eight months.

The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a co-organizer of the summit, stated this week that the conference aims to facilitate “meaningful business engagements that support the modernization of Pakistan’s healthcare ecosystem while enhancing the competitiveness of its pharmaceutical industry.”

“The Pakistan–China Pharmaceutical & Healthcare B2B Investment Conference 2026 is expected to further reinforce the longstanding strategic partnership between Pakistan and China by encouraging long-term industrial collaboration and unlocking new avenues of investment,” the council added.

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