NPO partners with pharmaceutical industry bodies to improve GMP compliance, strengthen FDA readiness and help local manufacturers access regulated international markets.
Pakistan has launched a new technical support initiative to help pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers meet international quality requirements, strengthen production standards and expand their presence in global export markets.
The National Productivity Organization (NPO), working with industry associations, introduced the programme under the Ministry of Industries and Production. The initiative runs from October 20 to 30 under the Asian Productivity Organization’s Technical Expert Service (TES) programme, with support from the Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) and the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI).
Focus on FDA Requirements and International Manufacturing Standards
The programme aims to help Pakistani pharmaceutical companies align their operations with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) principles and United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.
Singapore-based technical expert Chuan Yao, who brings more than 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, is providing specialised guidance, company-level assessments and training. His work includes identifying regulatory compliance gaps and recommending practical measures to improve manufacturing quality and operational efficiency.
The initiative covers several critical areas, including production processes, quality assurance, quality control, documentation, validation, data integrity, regulatory affairs and preparation for inspections.
Its findings are also expected to contribute to a model FDA compliance framework that could be adopted more widely across Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.
Industry Leaders Highlight Export Opportunities
Speaking at a dissemination seminar hosted by RCCI on October 26, Additional Secretary for Industries and Production Asif Saeed Khan Lughmani stressed the importance of stronger regulatory compliance and improved quality standards in making the pharmaceutical sector more competitive internationally.
He highlighted cooperation between the government and private industry as a key factor in supporting sustainable industrial development and export growth.
RCCI President Nosherwan Khalil underlined the need for technical training and collaboration to help manufacturers meet demanding international regulatory requirements. NPO Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Alamgir Chaudhry reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to improving productivity, product quality and industrial competitiveness through specialised assistance and international partnerships.
PPMA Vice Chairman Usman Shaukat called for manufacturing processes and quality management systems to be aligned with global standards, while RCCI Group Leader Sohail Altaf highlighted the importance of joint initiatives in resolving industry challenges and creating new business opportunities.
Seminars Planned in Lahore and Karachi
Further sessions are scheduled in Lahore on October 28 and Karachi on October 30 to share technical knowledge, expert guidance and industry best practices.
The programme supports Pakistan’s Pharmaceuticals Export Strategy 2023–2027 and aligns with the export-led growth and industrial development objectives of URAAN Pakistan, the National Economic Transformation Plan 2024–29.
By improving compliance capabilities and manufacturing standards, the initiative aims to prepare Pakistani pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies for broader participation in regulated international markets.