Bangladesh Aushad Shilpa Samity (Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries - BAPI), the apex and premier trade promotion body with more than 200 pharma formulators as its members, has set its objectives very clear.

The Association, has been very actively working on the industry development programmes to enhance existing capabilities and also to promote the country''s industrial opportunities among the developed world by attracting prospective collaborators in terms of technology, product sourcing, infrastructure etc.

The members of the Association are currently responsible for almost 97 per cent of the country''s total pharmaceutical production. With a turnover of 20,000 million Taka at an annual growth rate of 22 per cent, the industry here expects a business ofabout 50,000 million Taka by the year 2005. Apart from the local market, Bangladesh is also exporting its formulations to 27 countries. According to S M Shafiuzzaman, president, BAPI since 1972 the Association has been the only recognized association for pharmaceutical manufacturers in Bangladesh playing pivotal role in the development of pharmaceutical sector.

"At present, our major focus is on increasing our bulk drug manufacturing capacity and the technology to attain self sufficiency. On the formulation front, our industry has achieved substantial growth by now. So that, we are even capable of catering to other markets including regulated markets besides domestic demand, " he adds. BAPI currently represents the majority of pharma manufacturers that produce about ninety seven per cent of the country''s total requirement of pharmaceuticals.