Pharma manufacturing growth in Thailand and Indonesia will see regional emerge as major exporting hub

 The pharma industry in Southeast Asia has scored a significant increase of nearly 20 percent for ‘growth potential’ in the 2022 CPHI Annual survey[1] as attendees prepare to return to CPHI South East Asia (SEA) – hosted at the Impact Convention Centre, Thailand October 19^th – 21^st.

For the first time in the survey’s history, respondents expect the emerging pharma economies in Southeast Asia to grow faster than Singapore– well regarded the regions most advanced pharma manufacturing hub. Southeast Asia also sees an increase of 11 percent in overall competitiveness, up from last year. The findings provide a major boost for manufacturers in the region – particularly those in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia –  with significant growth expected in 2023. 

Emphasising the increased interest in the region, CPHI SEA is expected to see a return to pre-pandemic numbers with over 200 exhibitors in attendance spanning some five international pavilions – with suppliers from China, Thailand, India, Korea and Singapore.

In fact, more that 4,500 attendees are expected from 75+ Countries, with a remarkable 78% of attendees having direct purchasing responsibilities and 38% C suite or above.

According to data from Research and Markets Southeast Asia’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry will grow by 13% annually from 2021-2027, achieving a total market size of $29.1 billion². This growth is being driven by high investment in research and development, a modernising manufacturing base and an overall increase in the chronic disease burden across the region.

Emphasising the interest from international pharma markets, pre-registration figures for international attendees have increased again on last year, with this fast-emerging pharma hub increasingly exporting globally.

The 2022 edition will also run as a SMART event with both in person networking as well as a targeted online matchmaking platform empowering attendees with the opportunity to preselect partners and even agree meetings post event and rewatch content on demand. Spanning some 12 days, with over 40 live and on demand content sessions the event will empower pharma professional looking to connect with the right people and products in the SEA regions.

“The increased demand for Asian manufacturing, and new ingredient partners is the chief impetus for launching the matchmaking programme. Our aim is to unlock business growth at every stage of CPHI SEA with solutions designed to keep businesses at the ‘Heart of Pharma’ in the region”, commented Rungphech Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director -ASEAN Informa Markets-Thailand.

Highlights include pre-event online Learning Labs and a jam-packed conference schedule, as well as innovative packing showcases, live machine demonstrations for natural product extraction and a Health Theatre for showcasing premium natural/herbal products.

Every sector of the industry in the region is present from CROs and Clinical Trials specialist to ingredient manufacturing, packaging, machinery and finished products.

Chitanuwat, added “there is incredible demand in the last few years for alternative manufacturing options, as companies’ diversity supply chains. Increasingly we see our international audiences attending in Southeast Asia. In fact, over the next few years we expect the South Asia to further establish itself as regional and international hub for manufacturing. Which is why savvy professionals are building their networks and partners now to prepare for the next wave of growth in the next few years.”