Teo Ming Kian, chairman, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), handed over a symbolic plaque to Mohan Bhandari, managing director, Bilcare, at a ceremony held at the state-of-the art Bilcare plant and research centre near Pune in the midst of important delegates from both countries and luminaries of Indian industry.

Bilcare qualifies for this unique status due to its pioneering work in the field of pharma packaging research. Bilcare will be setting up facilities, including a research centre in Singapore shortly, which will cater to the specific needs of the Zone 4 countries — countries falling in the tropical region of high humidity and temperature.

Singapore is an ideal location for such research work on the various packaging methods and materials for medicines, primarily because of its strategic location and superior infrastructure. Singapore will be Bilcare''s launching pad to reach out to different markets in the region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and China.

Singapore''s pro-business environment, global connectivity and skilled manpower base will boost the growth plans of Bilcare. In view of Bilcare''s forerunning work in the field of pharma packaging research, EDB fully supports its foray into Singapore and awards Bilcare with the pioneer status.

Says Bhandari: "Team Bilcare is excited with the opportunities which Singapore provides in establishing a seamless channel with the leading pharmaceutical companies globally. Pharma companies can now have easy access to Bilcare''s innovative research solutions."

Says Teo: "With its new plant in Singapore, Bilcare will be able to leverage on Singapore''s key strengths in manufacturing. It will join the numerous companies based in Singapore that are actively involved in the entire value chain of manufacturing activities; from research and development (R&D), manufacturing, testing, distribution, to branding and marketing.

"Over the years, Singapore has built up a strong base of researchers, scientists and engineers (RSE), reflecting our specialised skills in areas of higher complexity and sophistication. In addition to our pro-business environment and extensive free-trade agreements, this availability of skilled workers is a critical factor when companies decide to co-locate their manufacturing plant with R&D capabilities in Singapore."