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FPME seeks govt’s help to make drug exporters globally competitive
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Anurag More, Mumbai
May 26 , 2022
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The Federation of Pharmaceutical and Allied Products Merchant Exporters (FPME) has sought government’s assistance to make Indian drug exporters globally competitive.
Speaking at FPME’s annual day celebration in the first week of this month in Mumbai, its secretary Sandeep Modi said “Drug exporters have faced several challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. One of these challenges is the increase in Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) charges.”
ECGC Ltd., a government of India enterprise, provides export credit insurance to exporters. ECGC has increased its insurance premium amid rise in claims due to disruption caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
“We need to focus on other challenges as well. If we get proper help, we can be well placed in the global pharma market. There is a problem with ECGC charges, something should be done about it,” he added.
Modi further said “Every member has been supportive over the last two years. There were many challenges in the last two years like providing medicines and masks to everyone. There were also many restrictions during Covid-19. Members tried their best to help. Exports didn't stop during the pandemic, we got help from government officials as well. Many wholesalers and retailers were placed under the MSME category. We as an association are expanding. We had camps with custom officers during lockdown and held several webinars on GST refunds and related topics during lockdown.”
Modi also said, “We are a growing association, we need a good presence in Delhi, so that our points are put forward to policy makers.”
Echoing his view, FPME president Kamlesh Shah said there are more than 200 members, and every member has worked hard during Covid. We expect members to take the association forward.”
Dr Virachi Shah, president, Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) and director of Saga Laboratories who was chief guest on the occasion said “If industry grows, every one grows. We are working towards betterment of the industry. We are working closely with the government for new drafts and policies. We have a target of reaching US$ 130 billion by 2030.”
Dr Shah also called on industry to work towards giving additional benefits to patients which will help them as well.
He said “Using good diplomatic relations we have with many countries; we are working for better WHO GMP compliance. We are also working with the commerce ministry to resolve a slew of issues faced by the industry. As IDMA, we are raising issues of pharma companies with state and central governments.”
Vice-chairman of the Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) and CMD of Fourrts (India) Laboratories, S V Veeramani said. “Pharma exports are witnessing 8-10 per cent annual growth. India’s pharma industry is the fifth largest exporter. The government is keen to resolve issues faced by the pharma industry.”
The commerce ministry is in talks with Canada and other countries to facilitate export of pharma products. Future is bright for the pharma industry. Merchant exporters have a big role to play in the pharma industry. We should also focus on market research and survey, he added.
Africa has a tremendous scope for the pharma industry after the US and Europe, he stated.
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