2024 FPME Annual Conference Celebrates Global Supply Chain Strength and Quality Mastery Through Partnerships

The pharmaceutical export sector assembled in Mumbai for the eagerly awaited “Know Your Value” event, spotlighting the vital roles of the Government, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), and Customs in supporting pharmaceutical exports through robust global supply chains. Hosted by the Federation of Pharmaceutical and Allied Products Merchant Exporters (FPME), the event featured a comprehensive agenda, a CEO panel dialogue, and an award presentation. It also presented a Motivational Session by Arun Sehgal, managing director, Chempro Group.

delivered the keynote speech, underscoring the necessity for refined regulatory mechanisms to enhance pharma exports. Paresh Mehta, regional chairman (WR) of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), underscored merchant exporters’ significant roles in boosting India’s economic landscape.

“The DGFT has significantly enhanced India’s trade efficacy through tailored programs such as the Advance Authorisation Scheme (AAS), the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme, and the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) provision to refund costs like electricity or embedded taxes during production. This ensures the competitive pricing of Indian goods in global markets,” remarked deputy DGFT Vishwajeet G Chimankar.

The event featured a comprehensive examination of government initiatives, with insights from Jayant Kumar, Deputy Drugs Controller (West Zone 2), CDSCO), and Kaushal Thakker, managing director of Harish & Company Pvt. Ltd. Discussions centered on regulatory compliance and optimizing logistics for pharma exports.

The CEO roundtable focused on pivotal topics such as manufacturing obstacles, global logistics nuances, regulatory adherence, and future industry directions. Participants included Harish Jain, director, Embiotic Laboratories Pvt. Ltd, Dr. Ramaswamy Lakshmanan, chairman, Sotax India Pvt. Ltd, Ramesh Rughani, chairman & MD, Khyati Global Ventures Ltd, Ashish Vora, founder & chairman, Prime Pharma Pvt. Ltd.

Dr. Ramaswamy Lakshmanan observed, “The strength of India’s pharmaceutical export supply chain is built on stakeholder collaboration, from regulators to exporters. Events like these elevate standards and motivate joint endeavors toward global healthcare aims.”

FPME emphasized its dedication to aiding over 500 small-to-medium-sized pharma companies engaged in exports, aiming for certifications in partnership with stakeholders.

FPME’s leadership team, including Sandeep Modi and Dharmesh Kharwar, joint secretary, led the proceedings. In his closing remarks, Kharwar thanked all participants and stated, “The achievement of this event reflects our shared vision for elevating India’s stature as a leading pharmaceutical player globally.”

FPME expressed strong intent to collaborate closely with regulatory entities such as DGFT, CDSCO, and Customs. These alliances aim to ensure thorough auditing, post-audit inspections, and specialized training to elevate product quality and supply chain durability. The event marked a pivotal moment in encouraging collaboration among stakeholders, highlighting India’s expanding role in the international pharmaceutical field.