The 15th ASIA PHARMA EXPO 2024 (APE 2024) & ASIA LAB EXPO 2024, international exhibitions on COMPLETE pharma manufacturing, concluded at BBCFEC, Purbachal, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The 3-day Exhibition was held from February 29th to March 2nd, 2024, in Dhaka. The exhibition celebrated 22 highly successful years in Bangladesh, motive to develop the pharmaceutical industry and making a significant contribution to the Bangladesh economy.
ASIA PHARMA EXPO and ASIA LAB EXPO being jointly ‘organized by the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries and GPE EXPO PVT LTD in Dhaka, Bangladesh, since 2003, offering an unparalleled international business and technologies platform specifically to the entrepreneurs and corporate giants, manufacturing and exporting the pharma medicines, globally. The exhibitions nurture growth by empowering the local pharma and allied manufacturing industries on technological aspects to scale up manufacturing practices. An overwhelming response from the local business associates and the technology solution providers from outside Bangladesh was noticed, With their global reach and influence, these exhibitions focus ‘on advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing practices, attracting participation from 751 companies across 36 countries in 2024. Over 14,312 trade visitors, the ‘exhibitions showcased cutting-edge technologies and products, including processing and packaging machinery, cleanroom equipment, water treatment systems, analytical instruments, and pharmaceutical ingredients. The new venue in Purbachal, Dhaka, the 2024 editions featured international-standard infrastructure, fostering growth and innovation in Bangladesh and the global pharmaceutical industry-The major attraction at the Exhibition was the Innovation Pavilion, where UAE based company – PodTech Lifecare displayed plug-and-play pre-engineered, pre-fabricated, pre-validated portable biopharma factory systems which help swiftly scaling up local pharmaceutical manufacturing to guarantee the affordability and availabilty of essential medicines. The high-speed machinery, latest innovations, newer technologies, and export-oriented production machinery were the main attractions for the trade visitors.
‘The opening ceremony of the 15th ASIA PHARMA EXPO 2024 was graced by the Hon. Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Samanta Lal Sen, MP, the Chief Guest, and Mr. Nazmul Hassan, MP, the Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports and Bangladesh Cricket Board President, who was the Guest of Honour. Their presence added to the prestige and significance of the event, underscoring the importance of the pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh.
At ASIA PHARMA EXPO 2024 / ASIA LAB EXPO 2024, more than 751 exhibiting companies from 36 countries, including the USA, Germany, France, Singapore, The Netherlands, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, India, UAE, Vietnam, South Korea took part in the exposition and showcased various products, including technology, parts and machines and raw materials and their latest products/services to upgrade the pharma manufacturing standards of Bangladesh toa newer height. More than 14,312 trade visitors attended the 2024 edition to explore the complete spectrum of the latest pharma manufacturing technologies & services.
The next edition of the 16th ASIA PHARMA EXPO & ASIA LAB EXPO 2025 is scheduled for February 2025 at a bigger venue, Bangabandhu Bangladesh China Friendship Exhibition Center (BBCFEC). More than 800+ exhibitors are expected from more than 32+ countries. With , the forthcoming edition will be the biggest ASIA PHARMA EXPO to date and is expecting more than 14,500 trade visitors from Bangladesh and other parts of South Asia
According to Mr. Subrotto Benerjee from GANSONS LTD, The Bangladesh pharma industry is experiencing remarkable growth, making it one of the top markets globally. Gansons has been present in Bangladesh for 50 years and has witnessed a significant revolution in the country’s pharma manufacturing sector, particularly in the last decade. Local companies are rapidly expanding globally, emphasizing technology, productivity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Gansons is proud to support Bangladesh’s pharma manufacturing industry and is impressed by the passion and vibrancy of the market, which is why we’ve been part of ASIA PHARMA EXPO for ‘many years.
Mr Paresh Sharma from PARLE GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES remarked that Bangladesh is embarking growth trajectory. He noted that the Bangladesh pharmaceutical market is steadily ‘enhancing its competency, a positive indication for the pharmaceutical industry in Asia. He ‘emphasized that the pharmaceutical sector is advancing significantly, expressing optimism for Bangladesh’s future.
I have personally covered the Bangladesh pharma manufacturing industry for over 25 years and have witnessed unbelievable market growth. He emphasized that the Bangladesh pharma industry is exceptional regarding the quality of products, manufacturing plants, professionals,and overall ecosystem, including the Bangladesh Association of Pharma Industry and government support. The high-quality abilities of entrepreneurs have nurtured the industry’s growth and ‘ ensured a very bright future for Bangladesh and the world in terms of access to affordable and quality medicines.
ASIA PHARMA EXPO is an ideal business platform for pharma equipment, and we have been participating in this exhibition for more than 20 years, which has always remained fruitful. I have been closely working with the Bangladesh market for 35 years, and noticeable growth and dynamism are observed – many new companies, new pharma formulations, many expansions, and applications of automation – all these are going at a very rapid speed, ensuring a promising future for Bangladesh.
In brief: Bangladesh pharma manufacturing industry:
The Bangladesh pharmaceutical industry has grown remarkably, transforming from a primarily import-dependent sector to a key global player in the production of generic drugs. Building from strength to strength, the pharmaceutical industry has grown from about USD 25 million in 1982 to about USD 3 billion as of June 2020. Driven by the increasing purchasing power of the domestic population, the domestic pharmaceutical market is forecasted to exceed USD 6 billion by 2025.
Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies have expanded their market reach significantly, contributing substantially to the country’s export earnings. The industry’s success in exporting pharmaceuticals to diverse countries, including developed nations, underscores its competitiveness on the global stage.
In Bangladesh, the pharmaceutical sector is one of the most developed hi-tech sectors within the country’s economy. After the promulgation of Drug Control Ordinance – 1982, the development of this sector was accelerated. The professional knowledge, thoughts and innovative ideas of the pharmaceutical professionals working in this sector are the key factors for these developments. Due to recent development of this sector, it is exporting medicines to global market including American and European market. Leading pharmaceutical companies are expanding their business with the aim to expand export market. Recently few new industries have been established with high tech equipment and professionals which will enhance the strength of this sector.
It should be noted that now world-class medicines are being produced in Bangladesh and it is possible to meet 98% of the total domestic demand of the country. Furthermore, Bangladesh’s high-quality medicines are being exported to 157 countries worldwide.
The pharmaceutical industry in Bangladesh has experienced remarkable growth, positioning itself as a key player in the global market. With a focus on generic drug manufacturing and a robust regulatory framework overseen by authorities such as the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), Bangladesh ensures adherence to international quality standards, fostering market access for its pharmaceutical products. The industry’s success in exporting pharmaceuticals to diverse countries, coupled with significant investments in research and development, underscores its competitiveness and commitment to innovation. However, challenges such as global competition and the need for continued technological advancements remain. Nevertheless, with ongoing government support and the dedication of registered pharmacists across various grades, the industry is poised for sustained growth and continued contributions to the nation’s healthcare For more information about the Exhibition, please visit: www.AsiaPharma.org OR email to mail@AsiaPharma.org.
Exclusives
By Mike Teiler
