Nandi: UP offers competitive policies for pharma sector

Lucknow: UP offers some of the most competitive policies and incentives in the country for pharmaceutical investments, said industrial development, export promotion and investment minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi' while speaking at the UP pharma conclave here on Tuesday.Mentioning that this was in addition to improved law and order and strong investor facilitation mechanisms, Nandi said that UP witnessed rapid industrial and economic growth in recent years, creating a favourable environment for pharma and healthcare manufacturing. Describing medicines and pharmaceuticals as symbols of hope and trust, he called doctors lifesavers, stressing upon the need for inclusive, well-planned industrial development backed by effective on-ground implementation.
Sessions on ‘Competitive pharma ecosystem – Infrastructure, industry and regulation' and ‘Pharma, medical devices and GCC sector: Research and innovation' saw active participation from industry experts. Minister of state for health and family welfare Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh said UP emerged as a catalyst for change that supports innovation, manufacturing and investment. Highlighting sector-specific initiatives, Nandi referred to the state's proactive response during the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of drug inspectors, FDI-friendly policies, investor hand-holding systems, focused development of Bundelkhand and the strategic importance of the Lalitpur bulk drug park. CEO of Yamuna expressway industrial development authority (YEIDA) highlighted the availability of industrial land, positioning the region as a preferred destination for pharma investments. Minister of food safety, drug administration and Ayush minister, Daya Shankar Mishra ‘Dayalu' also attended the conclave. Additional chief secretary (Industrial development and MSME) Alok Kumar presented ‘Destination Uttar Pradesh', outlining strengths such as MSMEs, ODOP initiatives, power availability, land bank, connectivity and GSDP growth. Concluding the deliberations, CM's advisor GN Singh highlighted the state's vast pharma market potential.