Sri Lankan pharmaceutical manufacturers explored export opportunities and international partnerships during an exposure visit to CPHI Worldwide 2026, held at Fiera Milano in Milan, Italy, from 6 to 8 October.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) facilitated the visit in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Rome and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Milan.
A delegation representing five companies participated: State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation, Siddhalepa Exports Ltd., Lina Manufacturing Ltd., Vetpharma Biotechnology Ltd. and Aithra Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Their businesses span pharmaceuticals, veterinary products, cosmeceuticals and natural products.
The programme combined exhibition visits with business networking sessions, enabling participants to meet potential buyers, distributors and industry partners while assessing opportunities in overseas markets.
CPHI connects businesses across the pharmaceutical value chain, including manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, contract development and manufacturing organisations, packaging providers and technical specialists.
Delegates explored developments in pharmaceutical production, emerging technologies, regulatory expectations and global supply chains. Discussions also addressed opportunities for product development, technical cooperation and market expansion.
The delegation engaged with international organisations including Barbados Pharmaceutical Inc., Orion GXP Consulting, Gruppo Farmalpresa, Intertek, Nanopharm and NATAC, alongside representatives of Tanzania’s Ministry of Health.
Access to regulated export markets requires manufacturers to meet applicable product registration, quality and manufacturing requirements. The visit aimed to improve participants’ understanding of these expectations and identify potential technology partnerships.
The initiative forms part of continuing efforts to strengthen international business linkages, promote Sri Lankan pharmaceutical products and improve the export sector’s competitiveness through cooperation with overseas missions.
