By T.M. Awan

ISLAMABAD: Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez on Sunday said the opening of a Philippine pharmaceutical company’s subsidiary in Islamabad reflects growing confidence in Pakistan’s market and marks a positive step toward strengthening healthcare cooperation and bilateral trade between the two countries.

Speaking at the inauguration of 2World Traders Pakistan, the ambassador said the presence of a Philippine-registered pharmaceutical firm in Pakistan opens new avenues for collaboration in vaccines, biological products, supply chains and public health. He noted that vaccines and biologics are essential for resilient health systems and said private-sector initiatives can play a constructive role in deepening economic and healthcare ties.

The Islamabad office was inaugurated by Abdul Razzaq Siddiq, Owner of 2World Traders Pakistan and President of Philippines-based 2World Traders Inc. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Imran Yusuf, Honorary Consul General of the Philippines in Karachi; Dr. Obaid Ullah, Chief Executive Officer of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP); representatives from Shifa International Hospital, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the Dow Institute of Life Sciences (DILS), along with senior business and industry figures.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Obaid Ullah highlighted the importance of regulatory cooperation and harmonization to facilitate pharmaceutical trade while ensuring compliance with international quality and safety standards.

In his remarks, Abdul Razzaq Siddiq said the company aims to support Pakistan’s healthcare sector by improving access to essential vaccines and biological products, promoting technology transfer and encouraging local manufacturing. He announced plans to import key vaccines, including Tetanus Toxoid, with an initial shipment of 10 million doses to help address supply shortages.

He added that future initiatives include the local production of anti-rabies serum in collaboration with DILS, as well as the development of anti-cancer medicines and anti-snake venom serum, particularly for underserved areas of Sindh and Balochistan.

Founded in 1988, 2World Traders Inc. is a distributor of vaccines and biological products in the Philippines, with operations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America, supported by cold-chain facilities and manufacturing collaborations in India and China.

The opening of the Islamabad office is expected to further strengthen Pakistan–Philippines trade relations, enhance healthcare cooperation and encourage bilateral investment.