Karnataka Drugs and Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (KDPMA) has chalked out a strategy to maximise growth opportunities for the sector within the next two years, according to its newly appointed president, Sunil Attavar.

Karnataka has a total of 264 pharma companies in the small, medium and large sectors and the state is already recognised for its production and research prowess.

“There are a slew of initiatives that we would focus to accelerate growth. The strategy devised would explore opportunities of growth especially in exports. Establishing the Pharmexcil office in August this year within the KDPMA premises has enabled the easiest access to export guidance for our members. We propose to have many trade delegations and invite international companies for collaborations,” he added.

Efforts to sustain good manufacturing practices, adopt sound quality control measures and ethical trade practices will be ensured. The Association which is observing its golden jubilee year will actively engage with the regulators at the Centre and state which will create a conducive and transparent environment to facilitate speedy clearances.

With the Union and state governments gearing up to showcase two international events: India Pharma 2016 and Indian Medical Expo 2016 in January and the Global Investors Meet subsequently, KDPMA is working to showcase the state as an attractive destination for the pharma and biopharma industry on similar lines that of aerospace and information technology sector, stated Attavar.

There are several requests from the Association that are pending with the state government which include the opening up a pharma park or an exclusive Cluster to woo investments. “This, we view as a critical infrastructure need to move forward primarily because it improves efficiencies, reduces cost and makes the sector more competitive,” he said.

Moreover, we have perceived the need for the state government to align with government of India to make certain required investments into the APIs sector. Moreover, the Union government declaring 2015 as the Year of API with considerable incentives proposed to revive this segment, KDPMA too has now recommended for a dedicated cluster in north Karnataka.

In an effort to give a fillip to Karnataka government’s ease of doing business plans, the KDPMA will actively work with various departments like labour, pollution control, customs and taxes which impact the industry.

“Our strategy also includes tapping promising opportunities for academia and industry partnerships. The existing Pharma Training Institute will team-up with colleges to mould pharmacy and lifesciences graduates to bridge the gap between industries –academia expectations. Apart from this, KDPMA will conduct seminars on skill building for industry personnel. The objective is to make available industry- ready talent and ensure the workforce remain update,” stated Attavar.