The pharmaceutical sector is pitching itself as one part of New Zealand's economic recovery puzzle.

A new report commissioned by Medicines New Zealand has found clinical trials of prescription medicines have contributed $1.2 billion to the economy since 2013.

Medicines New Zealand says there's growing demand for clinical trials.

Chief executive Graeme Jarvis told Mike Hosking New Zealand is one of the few countries in a position to do these trials.

"Overseas they are still struggling around getting clinical trials done. New Zealand has a window of opportunity to increase market share."

Jarvis says there has to be a collaborative effort between the industry, clinical research sector and government to make New Zealand a bigger player on the world stage.

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