API China and Interphex China, billed as one of the biggest shows for the flourishing Chinese pharma sector, proved a big draw with thousands of manufacturers of ingredients, packaging machineries and formulations from across the world knitting new trade ties.

The three-day event, organised by Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions in association with a host of industry bodies, began on April 25 at the sprawling Wuhan International Expo Centre here.

“API China is growing by its size and scale and the response is enormous. Over 2800 companies are taking part in this edition and the number of visitors are more than 20,000,” said Yong Kuang, vice-president of Reed Sinopharm.

The strength of China, which has 22 per cent world market share, annual growth rates exceeding 15 per cent, annual output of 800,000 tons, and export turnover of US$ 600 million, was in full display as thousands of quality buyers and sellers joined for prospective business.

One of the key highlights of the show was Sino-India Partnership Programme (SIPP) that opened doors for hundreds of pharma players to facilitate new collaborations. Ind Swift Labs, Uni Chemie International, Shah TC Overseas Pvt Ltd, Enaltec Labs, Aastrid Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Indukem Group and Anatco Enterprises were among the many companies that took part in the SIPP that forged new strategic alliances.

“We don’t miss this event as it brings in lots of opportunities. The show did evoke good results for the Indian delegation which has exhibitors and quality buyers,” a spokesman of Enaltec Labs said. Global Buyer Port (GBP), another key initiative of the show, also evoked good business, as it added commercial value to the overseas players. SIPP was launched in 2009, the global platform was added this time. Firms from South Korea, Brazil, Spain and Italy were among those who attended the programme.

“With Pharmchina, the show for the formulation manufacturers, happening together with API China at the same venue, there is greater amount of trade transactions,” Yong Kuang said.

Wuhan Municipal People’s Government, China Pharmaceutical Industry Association, China National Pharmaceutical Packaging Association, and Printing and Printing Equipment Industries Association of China were among the slew of industry bodies for the event.

Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions hosts largest trade shows and conference covering medical, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Thousands of exhibitors and visitors representing different segments like pharmaceutical raw materials, intermediates, chemicals, pharmaceutical excipients, contract manufacturing and services, pharmaceutical packaging, food additives and pharmaceutical equipment were at the show.

Interphex, co-located with API China as a special show to meet the fast growing demands of China's pharmaceutical machinery market, had over 400 exhibitors.

Benefiting from being co-located with API China's over 800 pharmaceutical ingredient, intermediate and fine chemicals manufacturers which attracts 35,000 visitors, Interphex China will provide a unique platform for its exhibitors to see significant buyers from all parts of the pharmaceutical manufacturing chain.

“After nearly 20 years endeavour, enterprises of China’s API industry have boosted the production standard, increased the process capacity and product quality. From low standard production to highly precise high-end product manufacturing, the industry has continuously deepened international collaboration and exchange,” said Shi Shengyi, the official spokesperson of Sinopharm.

Some of the known names from China included Shijiazhuang Pharmaceutical Group, North China Pharmaceutical Group (NCPC), Harbin Pharmaceutical Group, Shandong Xinhua Pharmaceutical, Reed Sinopharm, Qilu Antibiotics Pharmaceutical, Northeast China Pharmaceutical Group (NEPG), Apeloa, Jointown Pharmaceutical Group, CPhl & P-MEC, Zhejiang NHU, Tianjin Kingyork Group, Kelun Pharmaceutical, Grandpharma, Zhejiang HISUN, Guangzhou Baiyunshan Pharmaceutical, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals, Tonglian Group, TOPFND, Royal DSM NV, United Laboratories (Inner Mongolia), Lizhu Group, Hubei Longxiang and Zhejiang Guobang Pharmaceutical.