PharmaTechnologyIndex.com and Indo African Chamber of Commerce and Industry enter into an MoU to promote pharma business in Africa
Sixth PharmaTech Expo and LabTech Expo 2017 recently concluded in Gujarat University Convention Centre, Ahmedabad. At the inaugural address, Rameshbhai Shah, Chairman, KNS Group said, “Roaring success of all efforts of government and entrepreneur support has made Gujarat a preferred destination for business and platform for procurement of machinery and materials for the industry under the Prime Minister’s Make in India programme.”
The exhibition was spread across 7,500 square metres, with about 200 exhibitors displaying machinery and equipment for producing drugs and pharma products. The event was attended by about 7,000 visitors.
Indo-Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IACCI) organised a seminar on ‘Doing Business with Africa’, bringing in buyers from African countries Burkina Faso, Mali, Lesotho, Niger and Togo. Kanyi Galley LOGOSU-TEKO, Ambassador of Togo and Ali Illiassou, Ambassador of Niger were present as special invitees for the event. About 250 delegates attended the seminar.
Entrepreneurs/ industrialists and ambassadors from African countries took part in discussions. The Secretary General of IACCI was present during the event where around 500 one to one meetings were organised with exhibitors/ entrepreneurs during the event. BV Patel, PERD Centre was Knowledge Partner of the event. A seminar on ‘Impact of Analytical Technology on Quality Production of Pharmaceuticals’ was organised which was attended by 200 delegates.
During the event, PharmaTechnologyIndex.com, Ahmedabad and Indo African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mumbai signed an MoU to promote Pharma Machinery and Pharmaceutical Business in Africa.
The objective of MoU is to exchange of information related to organising of exhibitions in India and in African member countries of IACCI for display of catalogue, machinery and equipment and organising technical seminars. It is also for one to one meetings which needs to be organised for development of trading of pharma industry and products and machinery and equipment between two geographical areas. The MoU was signed to bring in and out business delegation, trade promotion and other industrial development activity. Indo African Chamber of Commerce is having activities of bi-lateral promotion between India and Africa.
Dr Manish Nivsarkar, Director, BV Patel, PERD Centre, Ahmedabad said, “It is a unique idea of having a seminar along with the expo. Our last experience and their efforts at Chandigarh event has given us a lot of confidence and encouragement and today we have come up with a half-day seminar on Impact of Analytical Technology and quality production of pharma.”
PK Jha, Zonal General Manager, The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) said, “Technology, engineering, integration and automation are the prime drivers of the pharma industry across the globe. The Indian pharma industry is one of the most rapidly expanding industry, both economically and technologically. The pharma industry is increasingly looking towards India for high quality, low cost pharma solutions.,The event is the perfect place for companies to pick up on the latest trends and innovations the market has to offer.”
Guest of Honour Sunanda Rajendran, Secretary General, IACCI said, “There are more than 3,500 pharma manufacturing units in Gujarat and growth in pharma sector has been very significant. The Indian pharma industry has grown at a compounded growth rate of 17.46 per cent from 2000 to 2016. From a $6 bn industry in 2005, it has grown to $36.7 billion in 2016, which is a remarkable achievement and it is expected to increase at 15.82 per cent by 2020. Indian manufacturers can showcase our African ambassadors what Indians has to offer and where India can go. As far as investments are concerned, the government has already announced100 per cent Foreign Direct Investment in medical devices, equipment etc. Drugs and pharma sector has attracted investments worth $14.53 bn from 2000 to 2016.”
Ali Illiassou, Ambassador of the Republic of Niger said, “We are here to strengthen the relations, business and commercial between the dynamic state of Gujarat and African countries. We are here to show how Africa is transforming and offers many opportunities for Asian and particularly Indian companies in the pharma sector. Africa is now a new frontier. Six of the worlds 10 fastest growing economies are African and the continent has been growing at average of five per cent per annum offering host of opportunities.”
Further he said, “By 2020, India is likely to be among the top three pharma markets by incremental growth and sixth largest market globally in absolute size. To ensure world class quality and adherence to international standards and regulations in the manufacturing of pharma drugs, it is necessary that the Indian and Asian pharma manufacturers and laboratories move to shop floor to top floor integration. This growth in the pharma industry and its increasing need for the latest technology in automation, engineering, artificial intelligence and robotics has motivated Pharma Tech Expo 2017 to provide an exclusive platform to the pharma machinery manufacturers and automation service providers from core automation and manufacturing IT sector for the pharma Industry.”
Amit Thakkar, President, Drug Marketing and Manufacturers Association (DMMA) said, “Since long Gujarat has been known as pharma hub. Gujarat pharma market was affected due to the price disparity between the companies enjoying tax benefits from tax-free zones and others. However, post GST the scenario has changed and once again Gujarat is moving towards becoming big pharma manufacturing hub.”
Shailesh Patwari, President, Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Guest on the occasion said, “We have good relations with Africa. They have been very humble to us. African Development Bank has its presence here in India and therefore Africa should be our destination and I am sure the pharma industry can very well surpass China by doing good business in Africa.”
Dr Arvind Kukrety, Deputy Drug Controller, CDSCO Zonal office, Ahmedabad in his address said, “ As a regulator our aim is to see quality, efficacy and safety is maintained throughout the life cycle of the drugs. I am proud that we are the first country in the world to produce biosimilars in the world and two of the companies are from Gujarat. Gujarat has been leading as far as the latest technology adoption is concerned.”