Health Expo Iraq 2026: Pakistan Pavilion, Iraq's $500M Pharma Market & Export Requirements

Health Expo Iraq guide with medicine box, capsules and location pin

Pakistan's pharmaceutical makers are always looking for new buyers, and one of the closest big markets is Iraq. Every year the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organises a national pavilion at the Health Expo in Baghdad. This guide explains what the expo offers, how big the Iraqi market is, who buys medicines there and what Pakistani companies need before they can sell.

Quick facts: Location: Baghdad International Fair Ground • Iraq imports $500M+ in pharma yearly • Pakistan exported $17.14M in FY 2024-25 • Iraq is Pakistan's 5th largest pharma export destination

What Is the Pakistan Pavilion at Health Expo Iraq?

TDAP, which works under the Ministry of Commerce, organises Pakistan's participation in the annual Health Expo in Baghdad. At the Pakistan Pavilion, registered pharmaceutical manufacturers show their products and meet buyers face to face: Iraqi importers, pharmacies, hospital procurement teams and Ministry of Health officials. The event is listed on the Pakistan Pharma Portal alongside other international shows, such as WIX in Dubai and Med Expo Turkey, and a national show, HEMS.

Why Iraq Matters for Pakistani Pharma

Indicator Figure (as published on the portal)
Iraq's yearly pharma importsMore than $500 million
Pakistan's exports to Iraq (FY 2024-25)$17.14 million
Rank among Pakistan's pharma export markets5th largest
PopulationAbout 42 million

The portal says Iraq's market is mostly generic medicines, with strong demand for antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs and diabetes medications, categories where Pakistan has competitive strength. Exports of $17.14 million against a $500 million market leave plenty of room to grow.

Who Buys Medicines in Iraq?

  • KIMADIA: Iraq's State Company for Marketing Drugs and Medical Appliances is the main government importer.
  • Private trading companies: distribution is dominated by private firms that import directly from manufacturers.
  • Hospitals and pharmacies: hospital procurement teams, private pharma chains and Ministry of Health tenders are the opportunities the portal highlights.

Regulatory Requirements for Selling in Iraq

  1. Register with the Iraq Ministry of Health (IMOH). Drug registration requires a submission to the IMOH.
  2. Hold WHO GMP or equivalent certification. This is required for registration.
  3. Include a DRAP-issued CoPP. A Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan is generally accepted as part of the dossier.

Read the details before you invest in a booth: certification and registration take time, and the portal's guideline pages cover US-FDA, EU, PIC/S, WHO GMP and DRAP standards.

What the Pakistan Pharma Portal Offers Exporters

Service What it does
B2B matchmakingConnects Pakistani firms with overseas buyers.
Pharma consultationAdvice for exporters.
Export readiness assessmentChecks whether your company is ready to sell abroad.
Market intelligence and trade statisticsMarket pages for Africa, Europe, Asia and America, plus trade data.
Company registrationPharma companies can register on the portal to be listed.

For help, the TDAP help desk is listed on the portal at UAN +92-21-111-444-111 and 021-99225833. Export paperwork is easier when you use the online customs platform: see our guide to the Pakistan Single Window (PSW)

Tip: Treat the expo as the start of a sales process, not the end. Prepare product dossiers, certificates and price lists in advance, and plan follow-up meetings with importers within days of the show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Health Expo Iraq held?

In Baghdad, at the International Fair Ground, according to the Pakistan Pharma Portal.

Who organises Pakistan's participation?

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), through the Pakistan Pavilion.

How big is Iraq's pharmaceutical import market?

More than $500 million a year. Pakistan exported $17.14 million to Iraq in FY 2024-25, making Iraq its fifth-largest pharma export destination.

What certifications do I need?

WHO GMP or equivalent certification, registration with the Iraq Ministry of Health and, generally, a DRAP-issued CoPP in the dossier.

Where can I find the expo dates?

The portal page does not list dates, so contact TDAP or check the portal's news and events updates.

Related Guides on Our Blog


For video guide, view this video

Disclaimer: This article is general trade information based on the public Pakistan Pharma Portal page and is not affiliated with TDAP. It is not legal, regulatory or medical advice. Dates, requirements and figures change, so confirm the latest details on the Pakistan Pharma Portal and with TDAP, DRAP and Iraqi authorities before you plan an export.

Comments