Aiming to showcase the Indian pharma industry both in the regulated and non regulated markets in the world and also to build a brand image for Indian medicines abroad, the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) has suggested to the higher authorities in the union commerce ministry to organize pharma expositions at various international locations, just on the lines of textile industry and handicraft products.

Talking to Pharmabiz on the sidelines of a seminar in Kolkata recently, Pharmexcil executive director Dr P V Appaji said that besides increasing brand awareness of Indian medicines, such expos will go a long way in boosting the SME pharma sector in the country.

The trade shows can showcase products from major companies and also of  allied sectors. Another advantage of the expo, he said, is that it will provide a unique platform for related industry professionals to meet and exchange ideas under one roof and it will provide perfect business opportunities for the Indian manufacturers.

Dr Appaji said that international pharmaceutical expos are the most cost-effective methods to increase brand awareness and for reaching new markets. He said Pharmexcil has given suggestions with respect to the promotion of pharmaceutical exports, especially from north-eastern states.

Delivering a lecture on ‘Brand India Promotion’ in the seminar, Ashuthosh Gupta, COA member of Pharmexcil said the commerce ministry has implemented some special schemes to promote the products of  small scale units. There are special programs to upgrade the products to be on par with those of the developed countries. China is considered as a source for cheap medicines; but there is difference between cheap medicines and low cost medicines. He said so far India has not conducted an international expo for Indian pharmaceutical industry, whereas there have been expos for textile industry and handicrafts industry.

According to him, Government of India is expecting USD 25 million worth exports in 2015 and various incentive schemes are being implemented to equip the SMEs to venture into overseas markets. If the schemes are properly utilized, even the struggling small scale units can do exports to regulated and non-regulated markets.

Apart from manufacturing companies, the trade show will attract technical personnel from plant & machinery for pharma production, infrastructure & accessories, packaging materials & machinery, laboratory equipment, instruments & laboratory wares, bulk drugs, intermediates & formulations,  biotechnology, healthcare products, hospital equipment, research & development, quality control and environment & pollution control. The show will have visitors from CEOs, engineers, technocrats & scientists, pharmacists, R&D professionals, biotechnology specialists, doctors, hospital administrators, academicians, teachers & students, equipment suppliers & distributors, regulatory officers and purchase officers of pharma companies, he said.