Y.A.B Dato Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad

FROM THE PRIME MINISTER I would like to congratulate the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries on the launching of the latest Malaysian Pharmaceutical Industry Directory 2001 - 2002 The global pharmaceutical market is incredibly huge. Yet this strategic industry is, as in most developing countries, only a small component of our national economy. The global pharmaceutical business is a one-sided affair with the giant multinationals acting as seller and the rest of the world as buyers.

While the domestic manufacturers might have come a long way over the years, it would be naive to think that we can compete with these industry giants. However, at the very least, we can exploit our strengths to develop niche markets and to find ways to contribute positively to the global industry.

Malaysia has tremendous potential in the development of herbal-based products. Our rich bio-diversity is a potential lode and it is up to us to develop this sector further. It is heartening to note that there is an increasing number of local manufacturers who are investing in this sector of the pharmaceutical industry.

The Malaysian government, in recognition of the strategic importance of the pharmaceutical industry, has had a blueprint for the industry prepared by the Malaysia Industry-Government Group of High Technology (MIGHT). This blueprint is to chart the development of the pharmaceutical industry in the country. The Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI), as the voice of the domestic industry will play an influential role in charting such development.

The government recognizes the positive role played by MOPI as a strategic component of the national economy and MOPI can be certain of the support of the government's in its effort to promote this industry.

FROM THE MINISTER OF HEALTH There are many challenges ahead in the life science industry and, I am glad to note that domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers are taking up the challenge to create a niche for themselves not only locally but globally as well. The can-do attitude is reflected in the commitment to research and development, products of internationally accepted quality and the penetration into overseas markets. All these are indications that, small as our pharmaceutical industry might be in global terms, it has the capability to create a niche market for itself.

Dato' Chua Jui Meng

The Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI) being the umbrella body for virtually all the domestic and some Malaysia-based multinational pharmaceutical manufacturers has a crucial role to play in the development of the industry. Over the years, MOPI has increasingly made its presence felt at national forums and dialogues with the government, in particular, the Ministry of Health. We welcome and encourage such interactions as channels of communication between MOPI members.

Rest assured that the government will give whatever support needed to assist in the development of the domestic pharmaceutical industry.

Congratulations to MOPI for launching its second Malaysian Pharmaceutical Industry Directory 2001-2002.

Dato' Seri Paduka Rafidah Aziz

FROM THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE & INDUSTRY Congratulations to the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries (MOPI) on the launching of its second Malaysian Pharmaceutical Industry Directory 2001-2002. The domestic pharmaceutical Industry has certainly come a long way since the establishment of MOPI twenty years ago. The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Industry is now a modern and sophisticated sector of the national economy and it possesses the capability to produce a wide range of products with internationally accepted standards.

It is also heartening to note the MOPI members are going globally with their products. Malaysian-made pharmaceuticals are now sold in Asian countries, the Middle East, Africa, the Pacific Rim, South America and even Europe. What is also encouraging is the emphasis placed on research and development by local manufacturers and this vision to excel will surely take the industry to greater heights in the years to come.

I am confident that all who are involved in the Malaysian pharmaceutcial industry, in particular MOPI members, will fullfill their role in developing further this strategy sector of our national economy.