Dr. Zaw Moe Khine confirmed that the Myanmar pharmaceutical market is growing, with strong demand for medicaments of all types as well as for various medical equipment. However, any exporter who considers entering the Myanmar market should take into account that doing business in Myanmar has some specifics as does local legislation. For example, registration of a new product by the Myanmar authorities can take up to two years in the case of pharmaceuticals and one year for medical equipment, which should be taken into consideration while planning a business or investment. Dr. Zaw Moe Khine also recommends making sure that any product to be exported is suitable for Myanmar, e.g. it complies with national regulations regarding dosage and packing, it could be stored and used in high temperatures and humidity (climate zone IV).

There are two common ways for a foreign company to enter the Myanmar pharmaceutical market, according to Dr. Zaw Mo Khine’. The first is to set up an office in Myanmar, which handles the registration of products, their storage after import and marketing. The distribution to individual pharmacies throughout Myanmar is then provided by a local distributor. The other option is to let a local distributor to be in charge of the whole process from registration to distribution. The main differences between the two variants are in cost and in ownership of product registration. According to Myanmar law, the registration holder has exclusive rights to distribute the medicament in the whole country. In addition, companies registered in Myanmar also qualify for government tenders for pharmaceuticals and medical products.

Ms Ambassador also mentioned that Czech companies are excellent in manufacturing mobile medical units. There could be demand for such products, according to Dr. Zaw Moe Khine, as there are mobile blood banks and diagnostic laboratories in use in Myanmar.

Dr. Zaw Moe Khine confirmed that Myanmar Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Entrepreneurs Association as well as his AA Medical Products Ltd. are ready to cooperate with Czech companies interested in entering the Myanmar market.