Survey of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Pharmaceuticals Sector of Bangladesh (2005)

The assignment involved conducting a survey of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bangladesh’s pharmaceutical sector for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the World Trade Organization’s International Trade Centre (WTO–ITC), Geneva, Switzerland. Conducted from May to August 2005, the study aimed to assess the demand and supply conditions of the pharmaceutical industry and identify opportunities and challenges affecting local enterprises.

YC collected and analyzed primary and secondary data to examine the industry’s business environment, market conditions, and operational constraints. The research included reviewing relevant policy documents, analyzing business information, and conducting key informant interviews to understand the challenges faced by pharmaceutical enterprises.

The assignment also assessed the policy and regulatory environment affecting the pharmaceutical sector. Particular attention was given to identifying business obstacles, regulatory constraints, and difficulties faced by local companies in accessing international export markets.

YC further collected and analyzed business and export market information to identify potential opportunities for strengthening the competitiveness of Bangladeshi pharmaceutical enterprises. The findings supported a better understanding of the factors influencing business development and international market access.

As part of the assignment, YC organized local pharmaceutical companies to participate in the Buyer–Seller Meeting 2005 in Singapore, organized by ITC–WTO/UNCTAD. This initiative helped local enterprises engage with international buyers and explore potential business relationships and export opportunities.

The assignment was implemented by a professional team comprising M. Zakir Hossain as Study Coordinator, MAB Siddique as Field Manager, and three Field Investigators. The principal outputs included an assessment of the pharmaceutical sector’s demand and supply conditions, policy and regulatory challenges, business constraints, and export market opportunities, alongside support for local companies’ participation in the international Buyer–Seller Meeting.

Assignment Details
Client: UNCTAD–WTO (ITC), Geneva, Switzerland
Project Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Duration: 4 months (May–August 2005)
Total Staff-Months: 2
Senior Professional Staff: M. Zakir Hossain (Study Coordinator), MAB Siddique (Field Manager), and three Field Investigators
Contract Value: Not specified in the available assignment information.