A meeting was held between the Dhaka Stock Exchange and the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI) executive committees to discuss increasing the capital market鈥檚 contribution to pharmaceutical sector and raising the sector鈥檚 involvement in the market.
The important session was held today at the BAPI office in the city.
The DSE side was led by its chairman Mominul Islam, while the BAPI delegation was led by its president, Abdul Muktadir, who is also the chairman and managing director of Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Top executives from both the DSE and the pharmaceutical industry were present.
Speakers at the meeting highlighted the rapid expansion of the Bangladeshi pharmaceutical industry, noting that its market size has now reached approximately $5 billion.
The sector currently fulfills 98 percent of the country鈥檚 domestic demand and contributes 1.83 percent to the nation鈥檚 total GDP.
It is projected that this market will surpass $6 billion by 2025.
To maintain this growth, speakers stressed that the capital market has a vital role to play. The stock market is considered a highly promising source of financing necessary for new investments, research and technology development, and increasing production capacity.
Furthermore, large firms requiring long-term capital for expansion should utilize the capital market rather than banks, as this approach reduces both cost and risk.
Listing on the stock exchange also serves purposes beyond mere capital collection; it is crucial for ensuring a company鈥檚 transparency, accountability, and public participation. Listing also enhances a company鈥檚 international acceptability and helps attract foreign investment.
Opportunities exist for both large and small companies to enter the market using the 鈥楽ME and Alternative Trading Board鈥� platform.
BAPI president Abdul Muktadir emphasized the need for stability in policies and laws to restore long-term confidence in the share market. He strongly advocated that ensuring tax benefits for listed companies would encourage more pharmaceutical firms to enter the market.
DSE chairman Mominul Islam noted that the DSE is currently undergoing a transformation process aimed at making the capital market more effective and investment-friendly.
He announced several key initiatives being undertaken by the DSE like fast-tracking IPOs and information flow.
Chairman Islam concluded by stressing that strengthening the capital market is only possible through policy cooperation and joint efforts.
He asserted that when the industrial sector and the stock exchange work together, the national economy will advance further.