Diplomacy

Pakistan Presses Ethiopia to Expedite Pharma Approvals

AI SUMMARY

Pakistan has formally urged Ethiopia to accelerate regulatory approvals and plant inspections for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies.

Pakistan formally urged Ethiopia to accelerate regulatory approvals for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies during bilateral trade negotiations in Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan called on Ethiopian officials to address administrative delays hindering Pakistani exporters.
Minister Khan emphasized that predictable timetables, clear guidelines, and transparent procedures are essential for commercial confidence.
The Ethiopian Ambassador stated he has engaged health authorities regarding the registration backlog and received positive assurances.
Officials clarified that envoy-level assurances do not replace formal review by the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority.
Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul called for an Ethiopian technical delegation to visit Pakistan to conduct on-site facility inspections.
No official timetable or list of approved companies has yet been finalized.
The EFDA requires rigorous evaluation, and local agent errors frequently lead to applications being returned or rejected before scientific assessment.