Uzbek Ambassador Discusses Prospects for Cooperation with Head of a Major Pakistani Pharmaceutical Company in Lahore

During his visit to the city of Lahore in Pakistan, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador Alisher Tukhtayev held a meeting with Ahmed Siddiqui, President and Chief Executive Officer of Himont Group.

During the talks, the parties thoroughly discussed issues related to further development of economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Pakistan, particularly deepening ties in the pharmaceutical sector. Special attention was given to attracting foreign investment in this area, implementing joint projects, and exploring opportunities for localizing the production of essential imported medicines.

The Pakistani side was provided with detailed information about the favorable business environment created in Uzbekistan for conducting entrepreneurial activities, the incentives and preferences offered to foreign investors, as well as the establishment of pharmaceutical clusters equipped with modern infrastructure and capabilities.

Ahmed Siddiqui, in turn, noted that he had visited Uzbekistan several times after its independence and had explored opportunities for implementing joint projects in the pharmaceutical sector during those periods. According to him, these initiatives were not realized at the time due to the limited infrastructure available in the early years.

“We are observing that since 2017, large-scale reforms have been carried out in Uzbekistan. An open and attractive environment for investors has been created in your country. Therefore, our company is interested in implementing a project for the production of pharmaceutical products in Uzbekistan,” he said.

The company’s head also proposed conducting an in-depth analysis of Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical market, establishing a modern pharmaceutical enterprise with an estimated value of around 3 million US dollars, and involving local partners to implement the project on the basis of equal partnership.

In addition, initiatives were put forward to produce high-demand medicines, introduce advanced technologies, establish the exchange of specialists, and organize training sessions and lectures aimed at enhancing the capacity of personnel in the sector.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the parties agreed to hold online negotiations with the participation of representatives of relevant government agencies of Uzbekistan in order to further review the discussed issues and proposals in detail.

Founded in 1994, Himont Group specializes in the production of pharmaceutical products, including plant-based medicines and biologically active supplements. Currently, the company manufactures more than 230 types of products. In 1995, the company obtained an international GMP certification.