Sharma to review pharma sector today .

Amid slowdown in exports, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma will hold discussions on Tuesday with pharmaceutical industry players on ways to enhance shipments and promote ‘Brand India’ in the world market.

In the first meeting of the consultative group on exports of pharmaceutical products here, Mr. Sharma will review the sector, an official release said.

The group would discuss providing support to research and development in the sector.

It will also deliberate on “steps taken to emphasise commitment to quality, safety and efficacy of Indian medicines, ways to promote ‘Brand India Pharma’ in important markets and the manner in which India can attain a leadership position in the world in exports.’’

Besides Mr. Sharma, secretaries of commerce department, industrial policy and promotion, health & family welfare, pharmaceuticals, Secretary (Economic Relations) and Drug Controller General of India would participate in the meeting.

India is the third largest producer of pharma products by volume and the industry is growing at a rate of 15-20 per cent annually.

Source : thehindu.com