S M Shafiuzzaman, is president of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI). BAPI aka Bangladesh Aushad Shilpa Shamity has 138 companies as its members comprising small, medium, large and multinational companies who control around 95 per cent of the country's pharmaceutical market.

In an interview with Pharmabiz, Shafiuzzaman suggests, among other things, that the Bangla pharma can become a leading player in generic exports in the interim period of 2016 as it is the only country amongst the 49 LDCs which is having a strong manufacturing base. Excerpts:

Figures indicate that Bangladesh Pharma is currently on the track of rapid growth. Which are the visible trends driving this fast growth?

The pharmaceutical industry recorded nearly 15-20% growth in recent time. The pharmaceutical sector in Bangladesh is a very potential industry providing a lot of opportunities. The industry is meeting 97% of our local demand and has attained self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals.

How do the recent policy initiatives by the Bangladesh government aid the growth of the industry?

The pharma industry is the second largest taxpayer to the country's exchequer. Our Hon'ble Prime Minister, Health Minister and other concerned Govt. officials are very supportive and are encouraging the industry to achieve rapid growth, especially in the area of facing challenges of globalization in line with WTO/TRIPS Agreement. And our industrialists are well equipped to meet the challenges and I am very happy to share with you the fact that the pharma companies of Bangladesh are exporting finished formulations to 62 countries around the world.

India is the closest neighbour and SAARC ally. How do the relations between the two countries facilitate the bilateral trade?

India and Bangladesh have a common heritage. Both the countries are maintaining excellent bilateral trade relations and the two countries are taking positive steps to enhance the trade potentialities, especially in the area of pharmaceuticals. Since we have advantage upto 2016, I feel that open dialogue between the Govt. officials and Industrialists will be beneficial for both the countries.

How attractive a destination Bangla is, for Indian pharma firms?

Presently, India is enjoying very good support from Bangladesh pharma industry and the trend for such gesture is increasing day by day.

Can you briefly explain the procedures for starting operations/registering a drug in Bangla market?

Every country has its own laws/regulations for drugs registration. Our regulation is much easier and more simplified in comparison with drugs registration procedure in India.

Reports suggest that the spurious drugs pose a very serious problem in Bangladesh. Has there been any concerted effort to curb this, of late?

Our National Drug Authority (NDA) is very serious about eradicating spurious drugs from the country and the authorities are very much alert and determined to protect the country from spurious drugs. But some unscrupulous traders both from India and Bangladesh are engaged in black-marketing/smuggling activities.

This is for your information that the parcentage of spurious drugs and medicines in Bangladesh is still much lesser in comparison to neighboring countries.

India, one of the major exporters of generics from SAARC region has become TRIPS compliant w.e.f 1st Jan, 2005. In this context, do you foresee a greater thrust for pharma exports from Bangladesh in the coming years?

The year 2005 is going to open the door to enormous export opportunities for Bangladesh pharmaceutical sector. Taka 5000.00 (US$ 850 million) crore could be earned by exporting pharma products.

The government is demonstrating its seriousness to Bangladesh export competitiveness in the global market. It has recommended to set up an exclusive industrial estate API park for pharmaceutical companies following the demands of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries. Country's pharma sector has vast export potential and it could be a major foreign exchange earner, atleast upto 2016, taking advantage of the Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). As per TRIPS/ WTO Agreements only 49 LDCs including Bangladesh will be able to export their patented drugs as the LDC will get the facility till 2016. Among the 49 LDCs Bangladesh is the only country which has strong manufacturing base for pharmaceuticals.

BAPI was in talks with IPCA and DCGI recently during the 56th IPC in Kolkata. What is the outcome?

I feel that Kolkata Fair was not upto the expectation/satisfaction. Our expectation was quite high for international participation and business meetings but it was not visible. Only few Indian machines were a source of attraction in the fair.

Since ASIA PHARMA EXPO-2005 is going to organize during 16-18 February 2005, we are expecting more than 6000/7000 pharma professionals from different parts of the world. It will be a landmark event in South Asian Market. We are also organizing information seminar targeting to the need of the day. We have more than 250 exhibiting companies from 18 countries. This will provide lot of opportunities to Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and visitors.