The Pharma industry delegation that visited Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan led by the union minister of state for commerce and industry, EVKS Elangovan and Pharmaceuticals Export Council (Pharmexcil) has participated in various buyer / seller meets. The delegation could establish tie-ups in pharmaceutical trade and manufacturing in both the countries, Dr PV Appaji, executive director of Pharmexcil told Pharmabiz.

Pharmexcil has participated in the delegation with 12 members (11 companies). There were six delegates from Chemexcil including a pharmaceutical exporter. Dr PV Appaji, the executive director of Pharmexcil was the member secretary who has coordinated the tour.

The Ambassadors of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Pitchbiogit, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan participated in the meetings. They have highlighted the scope for pharmaceutical exports in their respective countries. All Ambassadors could meet business delegates and discuss critical issues.

The Buyer / Seller Meeting (BSM) was held at Tashkent in association with the local Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce has invited the major importers/distributors of pharmaceuticals in Uzbekistan. Several delegates had identified business partners and had concluded tie-ups. Uzbekistan is moving towards economic liberalization providing opportunities for exports, Dr Appaji noted.

The delegation also met the drug registration authorities and custom authorities at Tashkent. The authorities have expressed general satisfaction regarding performance of Indian pharmaceutical exporters. The products having registration with Russian authorities are normally processed in short periods. It has been found that opportunities also exist for export of surgicals and devices to Uzbekistan.

A joint venture for setting up a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit involving State Trading Corporation of India with a local firm at Almaty was also signed, he informed.

The embassy of India has also arranged a meeting with Drug Registration Authorities at Almaty for the delegation. The top brass of the department explained the various procedures followed for registration of drugs in Kazakhstan. The details of product registrations made country-wise during the past few years were provided to the members.

Pharmexcil has explained the hosts the progress made by the Indian pharma industry and its capabilities in the production of quality medicines for exports to over 200 countries including regulated markets like the US and Europe. Pharmexcil has also invited the authorities to visit India, he added.