Visakhapatnam: India’s Next Big Pharma Export Hub
A quiet transformation is happening on India’s east coast.
Visakhapatnam — known for its ports and shipyards — is fast becoming a major pharmaceutical export hub.
Andhra Pradesh is now building one of India’s strongest pharma manufacturing zones with three big projects:
Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City (JNPC) in Parawada
Laurus Labs Pharma Zone in Rambilli
Bulk Drug Park in Nakkapalli
Together, these form a powerful pharma corridor that will support hundreds of exporters, suppliers, and logistics firms.
Why Vizag Is Perfect for Pharma Exports
Ready infrastructure:
JNPC already has roads, power, water, effluent treatment, and waste disposal systems — everything a pharma unit needs to start production fast.Port advantage:
Visakhapatnam and Gangavaram ports are less than an hour away. This cuts shipping time and cost for exports to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.Strong industry presence:
Big companies like Hetero, Laurus Labs, Natco, and Gland Pharma already operate here. This builds trust and helps smaller exporters get linked to global buyers.Government support:
The Andhra government and the Centre are investing heavily. The new Bulk Drug Park at Nakkapalli has ₹1,000 crore approved for shared infrastructure. Laurus Labs alone is investing ₹5,600 crore to expand exports from the region.
What Products Will Be Exported
The cluster will mainly export:
APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) like paracetamol, ibuprofen, and metformin
Generic medicines — tablets, capsules, and syrups for global markets
Nutraceuticals and herbal products made from local ingredients
These products will go to both regulated markets like the US and Europe (after required certifications) and fast-growing markets like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
How MSMEs Can Benefit
Even if you don’t make medicines yourself, there are many ways to connect:
Supply packaging, chemicals, or machinery to pharma units
Offer transport, warehousing, and export documentation services
Partner with manufacturers for private labelling or contract manufacturing
Start small with herbal or nutraceutical exports, which need lower investment and fewer regulations
The new pharma corridor creates steady business opportunities for small exporters who support the larger ecosystem.
Things to Watch Out For
Maintain strong quality control and documentation — this is the first thing global buyers check.
Ensure environmental and safety compliance — pharma exports face strict global audits.
Prepare for competition from China and ASEAN countries — build your niche around reliability and service.
Takeaway for Exporters
Visakhapatnam is no longer just a port city. It’s becoming India’s next export engine for pharmaceuticals.
For MSME exporters, this is the right time to:
Connect with suppliers in the region
Explore bulk drug and formulation partnerships
Build networks with testing labs, CHA agents, and freight forwarders
When infrastructure, policy, and industry work together, exports grow faster.
And right now, Visakhapatnam’s pharma corridor is showing exactly how India’s next export success story will be written.
