The floor, built by the Vietnam Pharmaceutical Companies Association (VPCA) provides a new platform for both domestic and foreign-funded businesses, specialising in the production and trading of drugs, medical equipment, technologies and services.

VPCA chairman Do Van Doanh said that the floor is expected to stimulate domestic consumption and improve public awareness of made-in-Vietnam drugs and medical trademarks. It is also a gateway for domestic enterprises and foreign partners to expand co-operation, Doanh added.

With a population of more than 80 million, experts said that Vietnam’s pharmaceutical industry has great potential for growth. It is expected to sell between US$12 and 15 worth of drugs per capita by 2010.