The first meeting of Indo-Tunisian joint working group on pharmaceuticals organized by the Union Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, called for improved trade and technology cooperation in the field of pharmaceuticals through joint ventures, R&D collaborations and enhanced trade relationship. The meeting was attended by drug industry and government representatives from both the countries.

The visiting pharma delegation from Tunisia is headed by Amor Toumi, director general of pharmaceuticals and medicines, Ministry of Health, Tunisia.

The 11 member delegation also had direct business discussions with 25 top Indian drug companies and participated in two interactive meetings in Delhi and Hyderabad.

In an exclusive interaction with pharmabiz, HE Elyes Kasri, Ambassador of Tunisia informed that there is much scope of increased bilateral cooperation in the fields of pharmaceutical technology and biotech sector.

He said that the visiting delegation consisted of two separate groups, one on biotechnology and the other representing pharma segment. "The biotech group came here to be part of the first Indo-Tunisian workshop on biotech medicine organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology of India. The pharma group is here to explore the opportunities of supply of new drug formulations, bulk drugs, medical equipment etc.

They are also looking forward to expanding the technology cooperation and attract Indian investors for joint ventures in Tunisia."

The ambassador pointed out that Tunisia could be an entry point for Indian drugs aimed at EU market. "We have Preferential Trade Agreement and Free Trade Agreement with several countries and there are tremendous growth opportunities for Indian drug companies who are willing to see Tunisia as their manufacturing/marketing base. There are more than 2700 foreign companies operating in Tunisia. Our experience says that the companies have benefited in a big way by their presence in Tunisia," he explained.

The ambassador assured all possible help from the Tunisian Embassy for potential Indian trade partners/investors. "We are willing to take any supportive measures to improve trade relations and industrial and technological cooperation. We are here to facilitate and make things easier for them. Any problems at the administrative level or regulatory level can be discussed and solved. Drug R&D and technology cooperation is high on the agenda. Joint distribution of drugs can be thought of," he said.

According to HE Kasri, Tunisia is having the strongest economy among African countries and stands 34th in the world. He wanted Indian investors to avail the services of the Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Tunisia.