The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) will be leading a business delegation to Azerbaijan, Moldova and Ukraine in January 2010 to promote Indian pharma exports to these countries.

The delegation, scheduled from January 10 to 21, 2010, will have almost 25 participants, especially from the small and medium scale pharma units. A buyer seller meeting will be arranged for the delegation with their counterparts in these countries and the aim is to tap more market from Azerbaijan and Ukraine, informs Dr P V Appaji, executive director, Pharmexcil.

“Considering the export data available on the Indian pharma exports, Ukraine is already placed as an attractive market for Indian pharma companies, especially the SMEs. The officials in Azerbeijan are also keen to work with us to enhance pharma trade relations,” said Dr Appaji.

A deputy minister from Azerbeijan is visiting India within a week and Pharmexcil is planning to arrange a meeting between the minister and India’s the minister for commerce and industry. “This will serve as a platform for Indian companies which are looking for more export opportunities to grab more market there,” he added.

In 2008-09, India had exported almost Rs 687.22 crore worth of pharma products to Ukraine and the growth is evident as the figures show that the exports to the country during previous year was Rs 497.14 crore. Ukraine is the 10th largest country where Indian pharma companies export their products.

During last financial year, Indian pharma has exported Rs 36.33 crore worth products to the Azerbaijan market while the exports was of Rs 33.39 crore in financial year 2007-08. Azerbaijan, at present, is offering a more lucrative market for the Indian pharma products through its policy decisions and India friendly approach, said Appaji. The country has supported India when there where allegations against the quality of generic products marketed from India.

Compared to these two nations, Moldova has a small presence in the Indian pharma exports. In 2008-09, Indian companies exported Rs 24.07 crore worth of pharma products to Moldova. However, the exports to Moldova accounted for Rs 20.41 crore in 2007-08 and the current figures show a considerable growth in exports, says the Pharmexcil source.