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The pharma industry in Bangladesh has experienced remarkable growth, positioning itself as a key player in the global market. The Bangladesh pharma has emerged as a powerhouse in South Asia, meeting 98 per cent of its domestic medicine demand while exporting to over 142 countries globally.
The Bangladesh pharma industry has witnessed major changes, transforming from a primarily import-dependent sector to a key global player in the production of generic drugs. Going from strength to strength, the pharma industry has grown from about US$ 25 million in 1982 to about US$ 6 billion in 2024. By 2025 exports are projected to exceed US$ 450 million.
16th Asia Pharma Expo 2025 & Asia Lab Expo 2025
The 16th Asia Pharma Expo 2025 & Asia Lab Expo 2025, the region’s premier international pharmaceutical trade platform provides a unique opportunity to explore the latest innovations in pharma manufacturing tech-nologies, expanding Bangladesh’s in-fluence in the global pharmaceutical sector.
The pharma expos, which will be held from February 12 -14, 2025 at the Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center (BBCFEC), Dhaka, is all poised to highlight the remarkable collaborative potential of the Bangladesh pharmaceutical market with the Indian pharmaceutical market.
Organized by GPE Expo Pvt. Ltd. in partnership with the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries, this premier event will continue to showcase the immense opportunities for growth in the region. The expo marks 23 years of successful industry collaboration, supporting the exponential growth of Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry.
With over 800 exhibitors from 32 countries and an expected turnout of more than 14,500 trade visitors, the event serves as a hub for showcasing the latest technologies and forging global connections. These countries will be exhibiting cutting-edge solutions across pharmaceutical pro-cessing, packaging, ingredients (APIs, excipients), lab instruments, clean-room technologies, and more.
As one of Asia’s largest pharma exhibitions, Asia Pharma Expo 2025 aims to connect international exhibitors with trade visitors across the region. The exhibition will provide insights
into the evolving manufacturing landscape, helping companies scale operations and upgrade technologies to meet
both domestic and international demands.
Since 2003, the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries and GPE Expo Pvt Ltd have been jointly organizing Asia Pharma Expo and Asia Lab Expo in Dhaka. This had been an unparalleled international business and technology platform specifically for entrepreneurs and corporate giants manufacturing and exporting pharmaceutical medicines around the world.
The exhibitions promote growth by educating the local pharmaceutical and related manufacturing companies on the technological elements of scaling up production techniques. This has won plaudits from both local business associates and technological solution suppliers from outside Bangladesh.
Soaring Bangladesh pharma
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.
Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector has emerged as a key contributor to both its domestic economy and international trade. With over 300 local manufacturers supplying 98 per cent of domestic medicinal needs, the industry has flourished in recent years. Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical industry is rapidly expanding, with exports reaching more than 150 countries.
The country has also benefited from WTO/TRIPS exemptions, allowing local companies to produce patented drugs until 2033. This has paved the way for Bangladesh to become a significant player in the global pharmaceutical sector. The development of the API Manufacturing Park near Dhaka is another milestone that will help reduce dependency on imported raw materials and further strengthen the local pharmaceutical infrastructure.
Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies have expanded their market reach signi?cantly, 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.
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.
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 signi?cant investments in research and development, underscores its competitiveness and commitment to innovation.
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 landscape.
Asia Pharma Expo & Asia Lab Expo 2025 provides an exceptional opportunity for international and local players to explore collaborations, innovations, and business opportunities in this dynamic industry. An encouraging development is more than 47 units at API Manufacturing Park are coming up near Dhaka.
Opportunities for tie-ups
According to industry experts, there is a pressing need for strategic collaboration between the Bangladesh and Indian pharmaceutical industry.
One of the key highlights of the event is the India Pavilion, organized by the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil).
The Pharmexcil Director General K. Raja Bhanu commenting on the growing synergies between the two nations in the pharmaceutical sector said “the Bangladesh pharmaceutical industry has emerged as a powerhouse in South Asia, meeting 98 per cent of its domestic medicine demand while exporting to over 142 countries globally. With a market size of over US$ 6 billion in 2024, the sector offers unprecedented opportunities for collaboration”.
He emphasized the importance of cross-border partnerships, particularly in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), where India’s expertise in API manufacturing could complement Bangladesh’s robust pharmaceutical formulation capacity.
“The establishment of the API Manufacturing Park near Dhaka is a game-changer for the region. Indian API and bulk active manufacturers have a golden opportunity to explore joint ventures, technology tie-ups, and raw material exports to foster mutual growth,” Bhanu added.
The collaboration between Bangladesh and India holds immense potential to transform the pharmaceutical landscape of South Asia. With Indian expertise in API manufacturing and technology and Bangladesh’s growing formulation capabilities, the synergy could lead to increased competitiveness in the global market.
As Raja Bhanu aptly summarized, “The time is now to build bridges between the Indian and Bangladesh pharmaceutical industries. Together, we can not only cater to regional demands but also position South Asia as a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation and supply. The Asia Pharma Expo 2025 has undoubtedly set the stage for such strategic alliances, paving the way for a brighter, collaborative future in the pharmaceutical sector.”
The exhibition underscores the comprehensive ecosystem required for advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing, ranging from biotech and healthcare to nutraceuticals and cosmetics. The India Pavilion, featuring state-of-the-art products and solutions from Indian manufacturers, has been a major highlight, reinforcing India’s leadership in pharma innovation.
APE 2024 & Asia Lab Expo 2024
APE 2024 & Asia Lab Expo 2024, was held on February 29 & March 1 – 2, 2024 at BBCFEC, Purbachal, Dhaka.
At the expo, more than 751 exhibiting companies from 36 countries across the world participated to showcase their latest technologies to upgrade the pharma manufacturing standards of Bangladesh to newer heights.
The exhibition celebrated 22 highly successful years in Bangladesh helping to develop the pharmaceutical industry of Bangladesh and making signi?cant contribution to Bangladesh economy.
Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Samanta Lal Sen, MP was present as the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony. Nazmul Hassan, MP Hon. Minister of Youth and Sports and Bangladesh Cricket Board President was present as a Guest of Honour.
The event was also welcomed by special guests AHM Ahsan - Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Major General Mohammad Yousuf - Director General of the Drug Administration Department (DGDA).
A Muktadir - President, Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) & Managing Director, Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd made a welcome note at the inauguration ceremony.
SM Sha?uzzaman, Secretary, General of the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association, provided the closing remarks. Muhammad Halimuzzaman, Treasurer - BAPI and Paresh Jhurmarvala, CEO - GPE EXPO PVT LTD, along with other international delegates, also shared their insights during the event.
James Cao, Director, LEFANCAPS (Canada) and Klaus Moeller, Head of Sales & Services - Process Technology Pharma, GLATT GmbH (Germany), international exhibitors - shared their views during the opening ceremony, and recognized the importance and promising future growth of the Bangladesh pharma manufacturing industry.
High-speed machinery, latest innovations, newer technologies and export-oriented production machinery were the main attractions for the trade visitors.
The three-day long exhibitions was attended by more than 14,312 trade visitors to explore the complete spectrum of latest pharma manufacturing technologies & products on display, which included; Processing machineries for formulation & API manufacturing, packaging machinery & materials, cleanroom & utility equipment & services, water treatment & management systems, analytical & biotech lab instruments, project consultants & turnkey contractors, API, pharma bulk actives, excipients, additives and many more.
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