ISLAMABAD: Chinese pharmaceutical company UPH Biopharma Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lue FENG, in a meeting with the Caretaker Health Minister, Dr Nadeem Jan, discussed mutual cooperation and matters of mutual interest in the health sector on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the UPH Biopharma CEO showed interest in the transfer of technology for pharmaceuticals to Pakistan.

UPH Biopharma provided Sinovac vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the meeting, the CEO briefed the health minister on the preparation and supply of Sinovac vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Jan expressed special gratitude for the supply of vaccines during the global pandemic. He also mentioned the initiative to build ‘Pharma Parks’ in Pakistan.

“We are interested in technology transfer from friendly countries to produce pharmaceuticals. Possible progress on technology transfer from friendly countries is ongoing,” Dr Jan stated.

Dr Jan highlighted the importance of Pakistan’s ability to manufacture its own medicines, which has significant implications for the national economy. He further mentioned that the substantial expenditure on the import of raw materials was worth millions of dollars and expressed the desire to save on foreign exchange.

The minister conveyed the aim of promoting vaccine production in Pakistan. The ‘Pharma Park’ project was seen as a revolutionary step by the CEO of UPH Biopharma.

Lue Feng appreciated the groundbreaking initiative and emphasised the importance of timely action.

He expressed his enthusiasm for working together on these initiatives and promised to consider the suggestions for further advancement.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2023