ROUND TABLE ON EXPANDING KAZAKHSTAN-PAKISTAN COOPERATION

On February 16, the Single Distributor held a round table with Pakistani pharmaceutical companies and domestic producers, where they discussed plans to expand cooperation in the field of pharmaceuticals. The event was organized by the Single Distributor with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Pakistan.

The round table was opened by the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan - Kistafin Yerzhan. Ambassador of Pakistan to Kazakhstan Sajjad Sihar, Senator of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Zarqa Taimur and Vice-Chairman of the Pakistan Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Atif Iqbal delivered a welcoming speech.

The round table was attended by the largest Pakistani companies - SAMI Pharmaceuticals, Martin Dow, MEDICURE, MEDICURE, CCL Pharmaceutical, Uniferoz Pvt ltd, Hiranis Pharmaceuticals, Herbion Pakistan Pvt, Sente Pharmaceuticals, OPHTH Pharmaceuticals, PharmEvo, as well as representatives of domestic manufacturers of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The participants were informed about the centralized procurement system in Kazakhstan and the role of the Single Distributor in the medicine supply system.

It was noted that the availability of medicines is an important component of the accessibility of medical care. In the context of the pandemic and the current global financial and economic crisis, this tool is of particular importance for the economic and social role of the state in medicine provision.

The Single Distribution System helps to prevent shortages of medicines, plan and distribute them according to the needs that arise in the regions, as well as equalize prices, covering a larger number of patients.

The Executive Director of the Association of Legal Entities “Association of Manufacturers of Pharmaceutical and Medical Products of Kazakhstan “PharmMedIndustry of Kazakhstan” Manakpayeva Guldaria also spoke. Information was provided on preferences for domestic producers.

Recall, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the importance of cooperation with global pharmaceutical corporations, attracting investors, ensuring technology transfer and the latest developments. In this regard, the Single Distributor held a series of similar round tables with Japan, India, Italy, the Republic of Korea, the Astana Diplomatic Club, International Associations of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, the Association of Russian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Swiss pharmaceutical companies.

The domestic pharmaceutical market today is of great interest to international investors who are looking for new opportunities in emerging markets. According to experts, Kazakhstan has the potential to double the capacity in the pharmaceutical industry. At the end of 2020, Kazakhstan leads in terms of growth in foreign direct investment. Such data are contained in the World Investment Report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Following the meeting, the parties noted that the COVID-19 pandemic is becoming an additional incentive in the process of reforming the medicine supply system and finding ways to improve the system. New challenges must be seen as an opportunity for real and fundamental change.

Reference:

Pakistan is one of the promising directions of Kazakhstan in foreign trade, as well as an important strategic partner in the Asian space. For 9 months of 2021, the volume of bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Pakistan increased by 39.4% compared to the same period in 2020 ($34.5 million) and amounted to $48.2 million.