GPMA urges pharma industry to start export and import activities from Mormugao Port.

Goa Pharmaceutical Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) has urged the pharma companies in the state to come forward and start the export/import activities from the recently notified Mormugao Port at the earliest, so that steps can be taken towards upgrading Mormugao Port as per the industry requirements.

This appeal comes in the wake of lukewarm response shown by the industry in relocating their export/import activities from the existing ports like Mumbai and Nhava Sheva, which are both expensive and time consuming, to the much affordable option of Mormugao port.

Industry insiders have been citing issues like lack of proper organisation among the carrying and forwarding (C&F) agents in the state along with lack of direct vessels coming directly to Mormugao Port as some of the main reasons for procrastinating the relocation of their activities to Mormugao Port. GPMA stressed that only when the industry will come forward to discuss this issues, steps can be taken towards addressing the loopholes to improve the present situation to meet the demands.

With a view to involve them in this thought process, GPMA will be meeting with the industry members on November 24 to discuss the modalities of the imports and export formalities and other immediate roadblocks faced by the industry.

A K Burman, president, GPMA, pointed out that even the MPT chairman, Mara Pandiyan is also very keen on deliberating over the issues so that steps can be taken to encourage the export/import activities on a full swing from the Mormugao Port.

He further stressed that only with the industries help and support can steps be taken to improve the present condition at Mormugao Port. “By notifying the port for import and export of the pharma products the government has done its job and now the onus lies on us to utilise the provisions provided by the government.

It is high time for us to take steps to relocate the base from the existing ports as it will help in saving a lot of revenue and time of the company.”

As of now, Goa-based companies invest almost Rs.45,000 to Rs.50,000 on logistic of one container alone to transport the pharma products from Goa to Mumbai port or Nava Sheva. On the other hand, it is estimated that with the relocation of the export/import activities to Mormugao Port the logistics cost will drastically come down to around Rs.4000 to Rs.5000 per container.

It is almost six months now, since the Mormugao Port has been approved and notified by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) as a recognised port for exports and two months since it has been notified for imports of drugs under the rule 43 A of the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) rules, 1945.

Surprisingly, in spite of the notification there are only handful of companies who have come forward to initiate their business activities from Mormugao Port. However, the association pointed out that it is high time for the industry to start using the provisions that the government has given so that it will help in the growth of the industry in the state.

Source : pharmabiz.com