DENTECH ASIA - KARACHI 2025

Pakistan: A Landscape of Unexplored Opportunities

Pakistan has recently gained significant international recognition as a vibrant and progressive developing nation, offering a wealth of untapped potential. The Government of Pakistan has implemented a liberal investment policy, allowing foreign investors to hold up to 100% equity in various economic sectors. This approach has led to a substantial increase in foreign direct investment over the past few years, setting Pakistan apart from many other countries in the region.

Key economic indicators further underscore this positive trend. Pakistan's GDP and GNP have significantly enhanced, foreign exchange reserves have grown, the stock market has soared, the Pakistani currency remains stable, and the balance of payments has improved. The per capita income, for instance, surpassed US$ 925 in 2011.

Pakistan's economy continues to strengthen year after year, largely driven by a dynamic private sector. The country's real GDP is maintaining a steady and rapid growth rate, among the fastest in its history and globally. International trade is also expanding, a result of revolutionary changes in tariff structures, improved international relations, and increasing domestic demand across industrial and consumer levels. Foreign exchange reserves are consistently maintained at a respectable level. Significant investments are underway in crucial sectors like Engineering & Automobile manufacturing, ports and communication infrastructure, telecommunications, information technologies, and the development of new energy sources and power generation to meet rising demands. A healthy workforce is fundamental to these sectors, and Health Asia is dedicated to bolstering this vital area.

The current pace of development in Pakistan is not merely coincidental; it's the direct outcome of the Government's dedicated and continuous efforts through implementing policies of deregulation, liberalization, and privatization.

Pakistan's Health Sector: A Hub of Growth and Investment

The Pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan has achieved remarkable export performance, shipping medicines to over 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Far East, Europe, CIS States, and the Russian Federation. Currently, there are approximately 387 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, comprising 357 national or Pakistani-owned licensed manufacturing units and 30 licensed international subsidiaries of well-known global pharmaceutical corporations. These entities collectively meet around 80% of the country’s pharmaceutical requirements. The total capital investment in this sector is estimated at approximately PKR 21.12 billion.

In recent years, the Government of Pakistan has significantly simplified the regulatory environment for establishing business operations. The Patent Ordinance 2002 has been made TRIPS compliant, now including the granting of patents to pharmaceutical products, which is expected to encourage new investments in the sector.

Pakistan's healthcare infrastructure includes about 906 hospitals, 4554 dispensaries, 5290 Basic Health Units, and 552 Rural Health Centers. The estimated availability of hospital beds across all medical facilities is 98,684, resulting in a population-to-bed ratio of 1,536 persons per bed. These figures clearly highlight the ongoing need for further expansion in health facilities.

Economic Momentum and Investment Opportunities

Pakistan's economy is experiencing unprecedented growth. Exports are increasing at over 20% per annum, surpassing the budgeted US$ 12.2 billion mark. Remittances from expatriate Pakistanis have surged by over 60%, reaching an annual level of over US$ 4.2 billion. The country's foreign exchange reserves are at an all-time high, exceeding US$ 12 billion. Industrial growth has been robust, topping 8%, and the overall GDP growth has been over 6.4%. The Karachi Stock Exchange has outperformed global markets, rocketing from 1300 points to over 4200 points in one year and further crossing the 5600 points limit.

The Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) outlay for the upcoming year is estimated at PKR 202 billion, a significant increase from last year's PKR 160 billion. Furthermore, the Government has allocated PKR 3,254 million for Health Affairs & Services in the next year’s budget. These decisive steps demonstrate the current Government's strong commitment to developing health infrastructure across the country. In light of this, numerous potential investment opportunities within Pakistan's health sector have been identified and will be actively promoted at the Health Asia – International Conferences and Exhibition.

Karachi Expo Centre: The Business Hub

The Karachi Expo Centre is strategically located in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and its undisputed business hub.^{C}{C} As the financial capital, Karachi boasts a population of over 14 million.^{C}{C} It handles an impressive 95% of Pakistan's foreign trade, generates over 75% of the country’s revenue, and contributes nearly 33% of the nation’s GDP. With over 10,000 industrial units spread across five major industrial estates, it stands as the country's largest industrial center. Karachi offers an ideal blend of infrastructure, technology, and skilled manpower, providing both international and local companies with the robust support they need for their business operations.