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India can explore USD 4.5 billion pharmaceutical market in Philippines
“India is the pharmacy of the world and Indian companies supply substantial amount of medicine to
Philippines. COVID Pandemic offers the best opportunity to promote bilateral trade. We need more G2G
and G2B collaborations to boost trade and commerce. India-Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade
and Investment held its last meeting in 2016 and we need to conclude an agreement on this soon. Both
the countries should expedite agreements on drug regulatory standards, conclude MoU in the
information and communication sector and sign Air Service Agreement. Philippines can be the gateway
for Indian companies to enter the 650 million consumer market of ASEAN,” said H. E. Mr. Ramon S.
Bagatsing Jr., Ambassador, Embassy of the Philippines, New Delhi at a webinar on ‘Exploring Business
opportunities in Philippines – India in the New Normal’, with special focus on pharmaceutical sector.
Amb. Bagatsing suggested Indian companies to set up ASEAN regional headquarter in Philippines. This
will open unlimited opportunities for India’s ICT, pharmaceuticals and other companies to explore the
vast ASEAN market. Indian companies can also benefit from the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives provided
by the Government of Philippines to foreign investors.
The Ambassador further pointed out that the current volume of bilateral trade does not reflect the true
potential. Bilateral trade today stands at USD 2.05 billion. “We need to enhance this trade volume by
exploring partnership in areas such as hospitality, healthcare, information and communication
technologies etc. A more liberalized drug regulatory regime can promote two-way trade in
pharmaceuticals. Philippines attracts 125,000 Indian tourists annually and we can increase this exchange
of tourists by signing Air Service Agreement,” the Ambassador remarked.
Amb. Bagatsing suggested India’s pharmaceutical companies to set up R&D facilities in Philippines and
avail of the funds allocated by Government of Philippines for developing COVID related drugs. The
Ambassador also invited Indian investors to look for investment in New Clark City, which is an upcoming
smart, sustainable and disaster-resilient city near Manila in Philippines.
H. E. Mr. Shambhu S. Kumaran, Ambassador, Embassy of India, Manila emphasized that India-
Philippines Political relations has got renewed impetus with the recent exchange of ministerial level
delegations. He said, “We need to maintain this momentum by expanding our economic partnership.
Role of industry bodies and chambers of commerce is important in catalyzing this relation. Exchange of
business delegation between both the countries is sporadic and we need to provide greater thrust on
this to grow two-way trade.
Amb. Kumaran also emphasized on the need to reduce timelines for approving new drugs in Philippines
and providing greater market access for Indian pharmaceutical companies. The Ambassador assured
that he would work with authorities in Philippines to promote Indian medicines in that market. India and
Philippines should collaborate in pharmaceutical R&D by instituting academic chairs and setting up
Centres of Excellence in Traditional Medicine in each other’s countries. Amb. Kumaran called for greater
policy clarity in Philippines to provide an enabling framework for Indian investment in that country.
Mr. Senen M. Perlada, Director - Export Marketing Bureau, Department of Trade and Industry,
Republic of Philippines suggested Indian companies to explore the USD 4.5 billion drugs and pharma
market in that country. He said Philippines imports 98% of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, which can
be supplied by Indian companies. Import of drugs and pharmaceuticals has grown at an average rate of
15% in Philippines between 2015 and 2019. Currently, China and Germany are the major suppliers of
pharmaceutical products to Philippines, Mr. Perlada added.
Ms. Eries M. Cagatan, Director – Board of Investment, Department of Trade and Industry, Republic of
Philippines suggested Indian companies to invest in Philippines and benefit from its preferential trade
agreements with Japan, EFTA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), USA and EU.
Indian companies can explore investment opportunities in biologics, vaccine and essential medicines,
where there are hardly a few companies in Philippines.
Ms. Cagatan informed that Government of Philippines will soon pass a new legislation that provides
fiscal incentives for high value foreign investors, do away with conditionality such as nationality and
minimum export requirements. Philippines will also reduce corporate tax from 30% to 20% by 2027, Ms.
Ms. Cagatan mentioned.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, MVIRDC World Trade Center
Mumbai said, “India is the pharmacy of the world and the country can collaborate with Philippines in
generics, traditional medicine, APIs, bulk drugs and other areas of healthcare. Indian companies should
use the India-ASEAN free trade agreement for preferential market access in Philippines. We need to
encourage bilateral chambers of commerce to exchange delegations and organize interactive meetings
to promote two-way trade. WTC Mumbai is committed to facilitate buyer-seller meetings and exchange
of delegation to promote bilateral trade in pharmaceutical sector. In the past, WTC Mumbai has taken
various initiatives to enhance two-way trade. We have also signed Memorandum of Understanding with
Philippines Chamber of Commerce for promoting trade.”
Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director-MVIRDC World Trade Center Mumbai proposed vote of thanks for the
event. Ms. Naik said, “India is the largest supplier of vaccine in the world and it is also the leading
exporter of generic medicines to the world market. Philippines can be an ideal gateway for India’s
pharmaceutical companies to enter into the ASEAN market.”
In her remarks, Ms. Pamela Pascual, President and CEO, WTC Metro Manila informed about the business
and member services, exhibition and trade facilities offered by WTC Metro Manila.
The webinar was attended by representatives from pharmaceutical and healthcare, biotechnology,
telemedicine, medical tourism and traditional medicine sectors.
