Export of pharmaceuticals to this region has already started, he added.

He was speaking at a press conference at the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) office. EPB Director AKM Nizamul Alam, ACME Laboratories Ltd Director Tanveer Sinha and members of the team that visited North Africa were also present.

The Bapi president said large-scale pharmaceuticals export from Bangladesh to the region will start in March next year adding that Square Pharmaceuticals has already exported its products to Libya.

Shafiuzzaman said Bangladesh is the only least developed country (LDC) among 50 LDCs of the world, that is self sufficient in pharmaceuticals industry. Bangladesh as a LDC country is eligible to export and produce pharmaceuticals without patent up to 2016, he added.

Bapi and EPB jointly formed the marketing mission to visit the six countries of North Africa from 5-20 September. 16 members of the delegation visited Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Sudan. Delegates from different companies including Square, Beximco, Orion, Navana, ACME, Jayson, EsKayef, Alco and Bio-pharma also participated in the mission.