Currently, Afghanistan manufactures only 2 percent of its annual medicine consumption, rest 98 percent is imported
Singapore: According to sources, around 40 pharma companies from Afghanistan are expected to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit to be held in India from 11th to 13 Jan, 2015. The companies are also likely to attend the Pharmexcil exhibition to be held during from January 9 to 11, 2015.
Market analysts commented that these companies are looking at joint venture opportunities with Gujarat's pharma companies to manufacture generics, formulations, syrups, over-thecounter drugs and medical disposables.
"Afghan companies are keen to gain knowledge during the summit, network with Indian pharma companies and to explore joint venture opportunities," said Mr Abdul Qaher Jawad, head of allopathic medicine under the ministry of public health (MoPH) in Afghanistan.
The delegation that is expected to mostly comprise of medicine importers, manufacturers and medicine equipment importers, will be headed by Mr Jawad and MoPH's head of pharmaceutical establishments, Mr Lutfie Abdul Nasire.
Afghanistan, which has been long importing medicines is now probably looking at strengthening its manufacturing capabilities. The country's estimated annual medicine consumption amounts to $400 million, of which only 2 percent is met by local producers, while the 98 percent is imported, mostly from Pakistan and other countries like Iran, India, Korea and China.
