The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) is gearing up to take part in the grand expo ‘Vitafoods 2012’ at Geneva Palexpo in Switzerland. The international event is scheduled for two days from May 22 to 24 this year.

Taking part for the 4th time since 2009, this year the council is planning to take it as an opportunity to project India’s innate pharmaceutical strengths especially in the herbal APIs and Natural products arena. Apart from this the council is also focusing to promote Indian nutraceuticals, dietary supplements and other related pharmaceutical and medicinal products at the event.

As more than 500 international pharmaceutical companies are expected to participate in the event, the expo will definitely give a unique experience for the Indian SMEs, exporters and traders. Leading companies from across Europe, Asia and Americas are expected to exhibit their innovative developments and strengths. Exhibitors from China, France, India, Korea, Serbia and USA are expected to compete in promoting their quality and cost effective innovations for their products. “Indeed the expo is very much informative and it is helpful not only for exploring newer business opportunities for our industry but it can also provide an insight about the new trends, latest developments, findings and discoveries in the European pharmaceutical industry,” said, Dr P V Appaji, executive director, Pharmexcil.

Having tasted quite a good response from the international clients earlier in 2010 and 2011, this year council is expecting more members from India to participate in the India pavilion. For this purpose, the council has already booked 88.5 square meters of for the exhibition.

Apart from providing all facilities for the member participants in the event, the council is also offering discounted rates for smaller players. Under the Marketing Development and Assistance (MDA) scheme, members whose export turnover during previous year is less than Rs.15 crore are eligible for availing a subsidy Rs.80,000 towards stall rentals.

Interested participants with GMP (good manufacturing practice) Certificate can also avail financial assistance from Department of Ayush up to a maximum of Rs.1 lakh under International Cooperation Scheme.