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Datlabs marketing director Mr Clever Mugadza said the company wanted to expand into the region in a bid to grow its market share.
“It is important to highlight that it is difficult to be competitive in the region since we have to pay duties and VAT on raw and packaging materials coming into the country,” he said.
Mr Mugadza said finished pharmaceuticals come into the country duty free, thus stifling the competitiveness of local products.
The pharmaceutical industry in Zimbabwe is second only to South Africa in the region in terms of development, sophistication and exports.
Datlabs was established in 1954 with a product range which includes medicines such as Solphyllex, Asalen and Panado.
Mr Mugadza said the company had capacity to meet orders from both local and regional markets.
Last year, the pharmaceuticals company applied for export licences from a number of countries in the region as it sought to grow its market share.
The company was still waiting for export nod from the regional countries as the registration process of pharmaceutical products in different countries took about two years.
Countries where applications were sent include Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mugadza said the company would continue to periodically follow up with various countries.
“Once they have completed their due diligence exercise, we will commence on a marketing initiative.”
Datlabs also manufactures and distributes health and personal care products including Camphor Cream, Lanolene and Cafemol. — New Ziana.
Online Reporter