Delta Pharma is investing $100 million to build a biopharma complex in the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), a move that aims to boost local drug making and create new jobs. The company signed a land lease for 30 acres and will start with an initial investment of $31.3 million. The plan calls for facilities that make anti-cancer medicines, monoclonal antibodies, erythropoietin and filgrastim, as well as an active pharmaceutical ingredient plant, an oncology unit for injectables and oral medicines, a herbal and nutraceutical line, and an AI-driven manufacturing unit and modern research and development centre. Delta says construction should begin within six months and that production of oncology medicines could start within about three years. The company, which began in 1964 and now makes more than 109 generic medicines, already exports to around 15 countries and follows WHO good manufacturing practices. Leaders said the new plant will help Bangladesh move into higher value medicine making, reduce the need to import specialised drugs, and boost exports by offering more complex products. Officials from the economic zone authority praised the move and said the investment fits national goals to attract industry and support sectors that can bring in foreign investment. Delta believes the project will help the country face new challenges after leaving least developed country status and protect local supply by producing medicines that might otherwise cost billions to import. The firm also said it will invest in training, technology and research so local scientists and technicians can run advanced production lines and quality labs. Industry experts welcomed the plan, noting that the country’s pharmaceutical exports rose last year and that a local biopharma plant could add skilled jobs, strengthen supply chains and create services around testing, packaging and logistics. The project could also help hospitals and patients get faster access to complex treatments and support steady supplies in emergency times. Delta plans to link its work to wider investments in the zone so roads, power and customs work smoothly for big shipments. The company asked for sensible policy support so the plan can grow to the full $100 million in the years ahead, and officials said they will help where rules and infrastructure are needed. If all goes well, the new centre will make Bangladesh a stronger maker of high-value medicines, open training and research jobs for young professionals, and add new export goods that bring income to towns and cities around the economic zone. The country exported $213 million in medicines last year, and Delta expects the new site to lift exports while AI-driven production helps cut waste, speed quality checks and reduce cost, and its training programs will prepare dozens of young engineers and technicians for jobs.
