ISLAMABAD, Sept 29: A five-member delegation of leading US pharmaceutical companies has suggested for early registration and pricing mechanism for innovative pharmaceutical products in Pakistan.

The delegation led by Nigel Thompson was talking to Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan here on Thursday.

The delegation emphasized that multinational companies draw their plans much in advance and one of the factors discouraging them in Pakistan was long registration period.

“If some of their concerns are addressed, they are of the view that not only investment in Pakistan will increase but it will also benefit the citizens of Pakistan in terms of access to latest medicines, which will also bring down the prices of previously registered older medicines”, they added.

They informed the minister of the renewed interest of the US pharmaceutical multinational companies to increase investment in Pakistan. They appreciated the recent improved Intellectual Property Rights protection environment in Pakistan.

The commerce minister briefed the delegation on investment scenario in Pakistan, IPR protection, regulation and enforcement situation. He also assured the delegation of any help they need from his ministry.