Phnom Penh: On November 11, 2025, an interaction between Indian and Cambodian stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector was organised by the Embassy of India, in collaboration with the Indian Business Chamber in Cambodia (IBCC). The event aimed to promote stronger collaboration and partnerships between India and Cambodia in the pharmaceutical sector.
The event was attended by more than 180 participants in person, including representatives of over 50 Indian pharmaceutical companies operating in Cambodia, as well as doctors and representatives from various Cambodian public and private hospitals. Members from the Cambodian Oknha Association, the Cambodian Chamber of Commerce, the Pharmacists Association of Cambodia (PAC), and the Association of Medical Technology of Cambodia (AMTC) also joined the event. Additionally, there were over 20 participants from various Chambers of Commerce joining the event online from India.
The event opened with remarks by Mr. Shravan Rao, Board of Director of the Indian Business Chamber in Cambodia, who highlighted India’s growing role as a global hub for affordable and high-quality pharmaceutical products. He emphasised the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Cambodia in the areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing, supply chain, and healthcare capacity building.
H.E. Prof. Sok Chour, Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Deputy Director General, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Cambodia, addressed the gathering and underscored Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring the availability of quality medicines in the country.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Sok Sovithyea, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Customs and Excise of the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighted the facilitation measures and regulatory cooperation aimed at enhancing trade in pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.
H.E. Mr. Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, in his address reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening economic and developmental partnerships with Cambodia. He highlighted the significant contribution of the Indian pharmaceutical industry to global healthcare. The ambassador encouraged the business communities from both countries to collaborate closely and explore new avenues for cooperation in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Three speakers from Indian pharmaceutical companies operating in Cambodia made presentations on Indian Pharmaceuticals: Trends, Opportunities & Strategic Insights; Indian Dermaceuticals; and Indian Nutraceuticals: Edge in Unlocking Health & Trade Opportunities. The speakers highlighted India’s position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical sector, noting that India ranks among the top pharmaceutical exporters worldwide, serving 200+ export destinations, with about 70% of exports going to regulated markets. It was also highlighted that India is home to over 3,000 pharmaceutical companies and 10,000+ manufacturing units, offering around 60,000 generic brands across 60 therapeutic categories, earning it the title of the “Pharmacy of the World.”
They further emphasised that India’s pharmaceutical industry reached an estimated USD 50 billion in FY 2023–24, with exports of about USD 26.5 billion, which grew to approximately USD 30.5 billion in FY 2024–25, marking a 9.3% year-on-year growth. India remains a major global supplier of generic medicines and vaccines, meeting over 60% of global vaccine demand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, India supplied vaccines to more than 100 countries under the “Vaccine Maitri” (Vaccine Friendship) initiative. India also houses the largest number of USFDA-approved pharmaceutical manufacturing plants outside the United States.
The event brought together Indian pharmaceutical companies and Cambodian importers, distributors, and policymakers to explore avenues for collaboration, reflecting their shared aspiration for the availability of affordable and quality medicines for healthcare in Cambodia and fostering cooperation for enhanced trade and investments between India and Cambodia.
Photo by: Supplied
