CPhI South East Asia to Move to Thailand in 2019

Events organiser, UBM, has announced that from 2019 onwards, CPhI South East Asia expo will alternate its annual location between the region’s two largest pharma economies, Indonesia and Thailand.

In 2019, CPhI South East Asia will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand (12-14 March) before returning to Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) in Indonesia in 2020 (4-6 March).

UBM said the move to Thailand will further strengthen the event’s appeal within the region and will see new visitors from more diverse locations.

Pharma sales in Thailand are expected to grow by 8.4% in 2019, with multinational corporations increasingly looking to partner with local contract manufacturers in order to expedite and streamline market access. According to data from BMI Research, by 2021 the pharmaceutical market is forecast to reach a value of around $6.3-bn, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% in local currency terms and 6.8% in US dollar terms.

“This is very much a natural progression for the CPhI South East Asia and the region, opening even greater opportunities to meet new partners and expand pharma sales. Collectively, these two countries account for over 50% of the region’s sales. Our research shows there is large opportunity, in particular, for contract services and ingredients, and by annually switching location we will increase the depth and quality of regional partners available,” added Mr. Chris Kilbee, Group Director, Pharma at UBM.

Kilbee added: “The 2019 edition will open increased international opportunities for domestic manufacturers in Thailand that have not yet had the capacity or partners to expand regionally. Plus, with MNCs looking to capitalise on regulatory changes this year, we expect many new international attendees”.

CPhI South East Asia, which completed its 7th edition this year, will colocate in 2019 with FDF, ICSE, P-MEC, InnoPack, and LABworld South East Asia.