The Union Commerce Ministry will soon embark on yet another 'Brand India Promotion' programme in the African countries by leading a high-level delegation to the African countries like Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya from March 28 to April 10. The brand-building programme will be part of the Indian government's aggressive campaign against the MNCs' propaganda against generic drugs in the African countries. The brand-building programme will be a major platform for the Indian pharma industry and the government to allay any fears among the African countries about the quality of Indian generic drugs.The delegation to African countries will include regulatory officials and key senior officials from ministry of commerce, ministry of health, besides representatives from industries and associations.

For the Indian pharmaceutical industry, the African nations like Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya are a potentially growing market. Export of Indian generic drugs to these markets has been witnessing a steady growth, especially during the last couple of years.

As a part of Brand Promotion of Indian Pharmaceuticals, there would be exhibition-cum- conference-cum-BSM in all these countries. A fully constructed stall/display area for display of products with one table, two chairs and basic electricity will be provided to the delegates. Local doctors, leading NGOs, reputed media & press, health ministry officials, etc would be invited in the respective countries.

The delegation will participate in the conferences where reputed NGOs, doctors, medical professionals, media representatives, ministry of health officials etc will be present. The delegation will also participate in Buyers- Sellers meet in all countries and meet top level officials and dignitaries like trade and commerce ministers, health ministers, head of the departments of public health, regulatory officials (MCC) and representatives of local non-governmental institutions (NGOs) and industry, etc.