PANAJI: Goa is keen to attract fresh investments in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and advanced technology, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, highlighting the sector’s contribution to the state’s economy and its potential to generate employment.
Speaking at the launch of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance Leadership Summit, Sawant invited pharmaceutical companies to explore opportunities to expand manufacturing, introduce advanced technology and establish research initiatives in Goa. “Goa is keen to build on an existing pharmaceutical base and welcome the next phase of investment. We will be pleased to engage with IPA and its member companies on opportunities to expand manufacturing, introduce advanced technology, establish research initiatives and develop specialised production capabilities in the state,” he said.
Sawant said Goa produces around 12% of the medicines manufactured in India, while the pharmaceutical and medical devices sector contributes approximately 10% to the state’s GDP. He added that pharmaceuticals account for close to half of Goa’s merchandise exports. More than half of the 23 companies represented by the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) have manufacturing plants in Goa. The sector currently employs around 20,000 people in the state, and that number is expected to rise as companies expand their operations. “As the companies are expanding their operations, this number will increase further,” Sawant said, pointing to opportunities for Goan youth in manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, operations, regulatory affairs and research.
Welcoming industry leaders to the summit, he said discussions would address global competition, technological advancements, regulations, research and the pharmaceutical sector’s future growth. “Your discussions over these two days will address some of the key questions facing the sector. Goa is pleased to host these conversations,” he said.
Highlighting India’s global pharmaceutical standing, Sawant said the country ranks third worldwide in pharmaceutical production by volume and is among the largest suppliers of generic medicines, accounting for around 20% of global supply. He credited initiatives such as Make in India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, with strengthening domestic manufacturing.
According to figures cited by the Chief Minister, the pharmaceutical industry recorded an annual turnover of around Rs. 4.72 lakh crore in 2025, while pharmaceutical exports registered annual growth of 7% over the 2015-2025 period. Sawant stressed that continued investment in manufacturing, research, technology and quality systems would be essential for the industry to remain competitive. He said the IPA represents 23 leading Indian pharmaceutical companies, whose contributions include around 85% of private-sector investment in pharmaceutical research and more than 80% of India’s pharmaceutical exports. Its priorities include strengthening innovation-driven research, positioning India as a life sciences hub and supporting a stable pharmaceutical ecosystem.
The Chief Minister also called for closer collaboration between pharmaceutical companies and educational institutions to develop industry-specific skills and improve employment opportunities for Goans. “This partnership can help to develop the skills and to provide more Goans with access to specialised employment,” he said, adding that the state government was open to discussions with companies planning new investments or expanding existing operations.
Referring to the summit’s focus on the future of Indian pharmaceuticals and the IPA’s 2047 strategy, Sawant said Goa aimed to remain an important contributor to the country’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports as India works towards Viksit Bharat 2047. “I invite the leaders present here to consider Goa for further investment, expansion and research opportunities,” he said, thanking the IPA and its member companies for their contribution to the state’s industrial development.
