API industrial parks to play vital role in meeting challenges

Industries Secretary Zakia Sultana on Sunday said Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) industrial parks will play an important role in meeting the challenges of the pharmaceuticals sector when Bangladesh becomes a developing country, reports BSS.
In 2026, Bangladesh will finally become a developing country, and for that reason, some benefits will be removed from the pharmaceuticals sector due to intellectual property and patent laws, she said.
Considering these factors, the government is implementing the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Industrial Park scheme, she said at a discussion organized by the stakeholders of the API industrial park project.
The project is being implemented by Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Gazaria upazila of Munshiganj, said a press release.
While replying to the questions from newsmen, the secretary said, "As per the instructions of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we are trying to increase production and reduce imports in every field."
"We are also trying to create employment for people, for which the API project, when completed, will be really helpful."
At the discussion, the leaders of Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry Association placed various demands, including supply of gas and electricity to industrial plots, filling of plots with soil and a cut in surcharge.
Sultana asked the authorities concerned to execute a time-bound plan to ensure gas and electricity supply to the plots of the park.
Chairman of BSCIC Md Mahbubor Rahman, Additional Secretary (Planning) of Industries Ministry Md Nurul Alam and Managing Director of API Abdul Muqtadir also attended the meeting.