Nevian's Canada export puts Bangladesh pharma on global map

Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry has already proved its ability to produce quality medicines at competitive prices. But entering highly regulated markets in developed countries remains a major challenge. In this context, Nevian Life Sciences has started exporting medicines to Canada through a partnership with Switzerland-based multinational company Sandoz.

Nevian's Managing Director, Musawwat Shams Zahedi, says this achievement is not only a milestone for his company, but also a new export model for Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector.

In an interview, he spoke about the export to Canada, the importance of multinational partnerships, and the future of Bangladesh as a global medicine manufacturing hub.

Question (Q): Why is Nevian's medicine export to Canada being seen as an important achievement?

Musawwat Shams Zahedi: This is important for several reasons. Canada is one of the most strictly regulated medicine import markets in the world. To export medicine there, a company must have strong quality control systems and international-standard manufacturing capacity.

But the most important part of this achievement is the model behind it. We are not only exporting our own brand through a local distributor. We are producing medicines in Bangladesh under a multinational partnership with Sandoz.

The medicines are produced at Nevian's own manufacturing plant in Bangladesh. They are being exported based on the purchase order of Sandoz AG, Switzerland, and imported by Sandoz Canada Incorporated. This is a new example of how Bangladesh can enter the North American market through global partnerships.

Q: Do you think this can become a turning point for Bangladesh's pharmaceutical exports?

Musawwat Shams Zahedi: Yes, I believe it has that potential. Bangladesh has already shown that it can produce quality medicines at affordable prices. However, most of our export growth has so far come from semi-regulated or developing markets.

If Bangladesh wants to transform its pharmaceutical industry, it must enter highly regulated markets in developed countries. For that, we need to go beyond the traditional export model.

Contract manufacturing and partnership with multinational companies can be an effective way forward. Nevian's export to Canada is a practical example of that model.

Q: How is this model different from the traditional export model?

Musawwat Shams Zahedi: In the traditional model, Bangladeshi pharmaceutical companies usually export their own brands to different countries through local distributors. But building a brand, developing a market and creating a strong distribution network in foreign countries is not easy.

Many local distribution partners in foreign markets do not have enough capacity to do this effectively. As a result, our export destinations and export earnings remain limited.

On the other hand, multinational companies already have strong market access, distribution networks and brand power. If Bangladeshi companies can manufacture medicines for them under international standards, it can open the door to many developed markets.

Nevian's Canada export has been done through this kind of arrangement. We believe this model can also be expanded to other developed markets in Asia, North America and South America.

Q: How much did Nevian's previous Swiss legacy help in achieving this success?

Musawwat Shams Zahedi: Although the name Nevian is new, the company has a long legacy in Bangladesh linked to Swiss multinational companies.

The journey started in 1973 as Ciba-Geigy Bangladesh. Later, after global integration with Sandoz, it became Novartis Bangladesh. In 2025, after the transfer of the majority share, the company was renamed Nevian.

However, the change of name did not change our quality, process or manufacturing philosophy. We continue to manufacture world-class Novartis medicines as a licensee, using the same brands, same ingredients, same process and same quality standards.

Our plant is certified by European Union GMP and Anvisa. This culture of not compromising on quality helped Nevian become a manufacturing partner in Sandoz's global supply chain.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in maintaining international quality?

Musawwat Shams Zahedi: Maintaining international quality is a continuous process. It is not only about modern machines. It is also about culture, systems and skilled people.

Gaining trust in the international market is difficult. Keeping that trust is even more difficult. A company must continuously improve in areas such as quality, data integrity, compliance and documentation.

This requires regular investment in technology, systems and human resources. It also requires patience, because return on investment in this sector, especially in exports, takes time.

If good manufacturers in the local market get a sustainable business environment, they can invest more in modern quality systems. Rational price adjustment in line with inflation can help them do that. In the end, this will not only increase export potential, but also help Bangladeshi patients get better-quality medicines.

Q: Can Bangladesh become a global hub for medicine manufacturing?

Musawwat Shams Zahedi: Yes, I strongly believe Bangladesh has that long-term potential. The pharmaceutical industry of Bangladesh has already reached a mature stage. We have skilled human resources, competitive production costs and growing technological capacity.

Now the national goal should be to establish Bangladesh as a trusted manufacturing partner for highly regulated international markets.

For this, we need to strengthen regulatory compliance, increase the number of internationally certified manufacturing plants, invest in complex medicines including biologics, and build stronger partnerships with multinational companies.

If the industry and policymakers work together in the right direction, the pharmaceutical sector can become a real driver of Bangladesh's export diversification in the coming years.

Q: What message would you like to give to international partners?

Musawwat Shams Zahedi: My message is clear: Bangladesh is no longer only a story of potential; it is also a story of proven capability.

We can manufacture medicines at international standards. We can meet the strict requirements of regulatory authorities. We can also become a reliable long-term partner.

I believe more multinational companies will consider Bangladesh not only as a market, but also as a strategic manufacturing and supply hub in the future.