Bangladesh ambassador Mohammad Khairuzzaman (right) talks with Commerce Minister Brigadier General Tin Naing Thein at the opening ceremony of the Bangladesh pharmaceutical trade show on March 10. Pic: Hein Latt Aung

TESTING the waters of Myanmar’s pharmaceutical market, 25 Bangladeshi medicinal drug producers showcased their products at the Sedona Hotel in Yangon March 10 to 12.

Dr Maung Maung Lay, president of the Myanmar Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment Entrepreneurs’ Association, said the fair would be mutually beneficial for both Bangladesh and Myanmar as the products manufactured in Bangladesh were of a high quality and compared favourably with those from neighbouring countries.

“Moreover, it will create competitiveness in the market in terms of quality and price with other pharmaceuticals imported from abroad,” he said.

Myanmar’s pharma-ceutical market has been dominated mostly by neighboring countries China, India and Thailand, as well as Pakistan.

In Bangladesh, there are 225 registered pharma-ceutical manufacturing companies, some of which have been awarded internationally respected ISO-9001, ISO-9002, WHO and UNICEF Good Manufacturing Practice certification, Bangladesh ambassador Mohammad Khairuzzaman said at the trade fair’s opening ceremony.

“The fair will help not only increase bilateral trade but will also enhance bilateral relations between the two countries,” Mr Khairuzzaman said.

President of Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries S. M. Shafiuzzaman said Bangladesh products were exported to Asian, European and African markets.

“The industry is now exporting a wide range of products covering almost all therapeutic classes and dosage forms to 65 countries all over the world,” he said.

Mr Hassan said Beximco Pharma would also transfer technology and research to Myanmar drug manufacturers if any company expressed interest.