The central government is keen on increasing export of pharmaceutical products to neighboring China as the country appears to be ready to allow Indian generics makers to enter the country.

The government has constituted a sub- committee headed by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Mr. J. S. Deepak to put forth plans to boost export of pharmaceutical products to China, according to Dr P V Appaji, executive director of the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil).

Dr Appaji said the pharmaceutical exports and promotion council have been asked do recommend ways to boost exports to the country. He said that China is the third largest pharmaceutical market and medicines worth $ 40 billion are projected in the country.

He pointed out that until now, the market barriers and cost competition have restricted growth for the Indian companies in the communist country. He also pointed out that the government is working to create a brand for brand for Indian pharmaceutical products creating a identity in the global markets.

The Chinese Government has shown interest in promoting Indian products and a number of local firms have shown interest to collaborate with the Indian firms. Indian firms have an opportunity to register several more products with the Chinese drug regulator and improve business considerably.