BANGLADESH EYES NEW DRUG EXPORT MARKETS

Bangladeshi officials have outlined plans to boost exports of pharmaceuticals to emerging drug markets in North African states such as Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. These locations are likely to form part of a strategy to target lucrative Middle Eastern markets, as the region's trade is gradually liberalised. Bangladesh's drug exports more than doubled last year to US$50mn.

Meanwhile, the government is considering setting up an active ingredients manufacturing park to attract foreign investment in the sector. Officials have highlighted the fact that, in contrast to neighbouring India, Bangladeshi patent law is not due to come into full compliance with TRIPS until 2016. The country has roughly 15 manufacturing units, and recently won investment from Indian generic drugmakers seeking to escape cost and patent pressures in their domestic market.