A visitor examines a product at the expo.

INDIA took steps last week to strengthen its position as the leading exporter of pharmaceutical products to Myanmar by hosting the India Pharmaceutical Expo 2009 from June 12 to 14 at Traders Hotel in Yangon.

“India is currently the biggest supplier of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment to Myanmar,” said Dr Win Si Thu, the president of Myanmar Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Entrepreneurs’ Association (MPMEEA).

In the 2007-08 financial year, India exported US$7.24 billion in pharmaceuticals, with the $43.7 million destined for Myanmar accounting for 40 percent of all such imports, Mr Raghuveer Kini, an executive director of the Indian Pharmaceutical Executives Association (IPEA), said in his opening remarks.

There are more than 40 Indian firms distributing more than 3000 Food and Drug Administration-approved pharmaceuticals in Myanmar.

“The quality of Indian imports is highly appreciated by consumers,” Dr Win Si Thu added.

India is also the world’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical producer.

“India’s pharmaceutical industry is one of the world’s largest and most developed industries,” Mr Raghuveer Kini said.

According to the FDA, there are more that 6000 different branded pharmaceuticals currently registered in Myanmar. The majority are from India, China, Bangladesh and Thailand, with the rest coming from Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Europe, said Dr Win Si Thu.

The latest expo included 20 participating Indian firms, which together displayed a total of 40 new products.

Myanmar’s pharmaceuticals and medical imports have increased steadily in past years – from $100 million in 2006-07, to $113 million in 2007-08 and $150 million in 2008-09, according to statistics from the Ministry of Commerce.

Imported drugs account for an estimated 80 percent of local consumption, according to market analysis, said MPMEEA.

There are only three domestic factories that manufacture pharmaceuticals: Myanmar Pharmaceutical Industry (MPI) in Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw and Pyin Oo Lwin.

All three are operated by the Ministry of Industry (1).