Investment & Trade
Sector Profile: Pharmaceuticals & API
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Executive Summary
Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry is one of the most advanced in South Asia, with exports reaching USD 218M in FY2023-24 (HS-30 Pharmaceutical products). The sector meets 98% of domestic demand and exports to 167 countries. Bangladesh achieved self-sufficiency in formulations (tablets, capsules, injectables) and is now focusing on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) production via the dedicated API Industrial Park in Gajaria, Munshiganj (opened 2018, 42 plots allocated). The sector benefitted from the TRIPS waiver (until 2033 for LDCs, extended to 2026+3 transition for Bangladesh post-LDC graduation) which allows production of patented medicines. Key exporters: Square Pharmaceuticals, Beximco Pharma, Incepta Pharmaceuticals, Eskayef, ACI. Top export destinations: USA, UK, Germany, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal. Regulatory certifications: WHO-GMP (universal), UK-MHRA (Square, Beximco), EU-GMP (selected facilities), US-FDA (Square, Beximco select facilities).
Key Points
- Export value FY2023-24: USD 218M (HS-30)
- 98% domestic market share
- Exports to 167 countries
- TRIPS waiver benefits until 2033 (extended for LDC graduation)
- API Industrial Park Gajaria (42 plots, opened 2018)
- Leading exporters: Square, Beximco, Incepta, Eskayef, ACI
- Certifications: WHO-GMP, UK-MHRA, EU-GMP, US-FDA
- Top destinations: USA, UK, Germany, Kenya, Sri Lanka
- Annual growth: 12-15% (last 5 years)
- Local API production: ~20% of demand (target 60% by 2030)
Full Details
Investment profile for the pharmaceutical sector. Bangladesh meets 97% of domestic demand and exports to 150+ countries.