Industries and IT Minister K.T.Rama Rao, who is in the U.S. leading an official delegation, met top leadership of pharma majors Pfizer, J&J and GSK, and showcased Hyderabad’s strengths in the life sciences sector as well as the growth opportunities for investors.

In the meeting with Pfizer CEO and chairman Albert Bourla and executive vice-president and chief global supply officer Mike McDermott, he highlighted the vibrant life sciences ecosystem of Telangana. The interaction was to also understand Pfizer’s strategy and plans for the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector in India. He also met the SVP and chief scientific officer Uwe Schoenbeck, the Minister’s office said in a release on Saturday.

Mr.Rao met Johnson & Johnson Executive vice-president, Pharmaceuticals R&D Mathai Mammen and showcased the research and development ecosystem of Hyderabad. In his meeting with GlaxoSmithKline SVP and chief technology officer Agam Upadhyay, the Minister underscored the technology and digital innovation capabilities of Hyderabad.

The three companies together have more than $170 billion in annual revenue and their combined employee strength is 3,03,000. The firms’ leaders were appreciative of the Minister’s presentation and the efforts of the government to promote life sciences sector with a focus on innovation. The Minister discussed his vision for the sector with them and sought suggestions to help promote innovation in Hyderabad. He also invited them to participate the 20th BioAsia convention scheduled to be held in February 2023 here, his office said.