04/19/2010 08:33 am

DHL sees growth in pharma products in Asia

DHL has seen a record number of movements of healthcare products in 2009 in Asia. Compared to 2008, shipment of finished pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical equipment and devices and clinical trials facilitated by the DHL Life Sciences & Healthcare Global Customer Solutions grew overall by 7%, a steady growth despite the economic downturn.

Sue Arden, Vice President, Global Customer Solutions, Life Sciences & Healthcare, DHL Asia Pacific, said "Two major factors driving this growth are the rising demand for healthcare in fast-expanding economies such as China and India, as well as the rapidly ageing populations in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan and Singapore.

Arden added: "The establishment of DHL's first China Competence Centre in Pudong International Airport, Shanghai and a second scheduled to open within 2010 in Tianjin is a clear testament to the growing demand and opportunity we see in this sector".
She added: "In 2009 the organization further committed to invest US$15 million to develop the Competence Centers in India, Mumbai and Hyderabad targeted as the primary sites, and facility expansion in Singapore. We recognize that Singapore, known for its strong research facilities, not only manufactures pharmaceutical products but is also a key transportation hub receiving pharmaceutical products inbound from major manufacturing sources and providing storage and onward distribution service to Asia.

The DHL Life Science Competence Centre in Singapore serves to support the thriving pharmaceutical industry and the Singapore Government's goal of having at least 10 multi-national production facilities in operation by 2010."
The growth trend is not surprising given the increasing demand for quality healthcare and affluence in Asia.  By 2014, China and India will make up 50% of the world's population."

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