The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) may cancel the proposed Pharma India Brand Promotion - Expo-cum-BSMs (buyer-seller meet) to Cairo in Egypt due to the political turmoil in the country, it is learnt. However, the proposal to send delegation to Lagos in Nigeria remains unchanged.

According to the Pharmexcil, the proposed visit to Cairo was part of the government’s plans of pharma brand India exercise. It said that it may not be able to send the delegation to Cairo, and it is in touch with a few other African countries, which are important for the pharmaceutical exports and Sudan tops the list. It is also learnt that the industry is not favourable to the idea of going to Egypt due to the political unrest in that country.

Talking to Pharmabiz, Dr P V Appaji, executive director of Pharmexcil, said, “We are in touch with the Indian embassy in Cairo and may change the trip to Cairo, instead may go to Khartoum in Sudan. However, the proposed delegation to Lagos stands as it is.”

He said that the Pharmexcil is trying to have the participation of at least 50 Indian pharma manufacturers in the exhibition. It will also have buyer-seller meets and seminars and invited FDA officials, NGOs, local manufacturers and traders. Africa contributes 16 per cent of the total pharmaceutical exports but considering the total African requirement, India is not covering more than 25-30 per cent of it. Africa is an emerging market and there is a good scope for Indian drug manufacturers. He further stated that the thrust of the government is to share the expertise and benefits of providing quality medicines at affordable prices to the African population.

The government is making special effort to create Brand India as there are reports of counterfeits and other allegations. He said, “It is the responsibility of the government to really bring it to the notice of the stake holders the quality of the Indian pharmaceutical products, how strong is Indian FDA and there is a need to bring confidence in African markets about Indian pharmaceutical products.”

It has already covered South Africa, Central Africa and East Africa and it is planning to cover West Africa. The programme will be held from March 19 to 25, 2011.