From Tongi to Canada: Nevien Life Science marks export milestone in global pharmaceutical supply chain
The export operations are being carried out under a contract manufacturing agreement with Sandoz, the Swiss-based global generic pharmaceutical company
Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry reached new heights as Nevien Life Science PLC (formerly Novartis Bangladesh Limited) has, for the first time, begun exporting medicines to Canada in North America.
The export operations are being carried out under a contract manufacturing agreement with Sandoz, the Swiss-based global generic pharmaceutical company. The historic journey of Navien Life was officially announced at a ceremony held yesterday at Nevien's manufacturing plant in Tongi, Gazipur.
Although Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain was scheduled to attend the occasion as the chief guest; he, however, joined the event virtually. Radiant Pharmaceuticals chairman Md Naser Shahriar Zahedi, Gazipur-2 MP M. Manjurul Karim Rony, and Gazipur City Corporation administrator Shawkat Hossain Sarkar attended the event as special guests.
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Under the arrangement, Sandoz Canada Inc. receives medicines produced at Nevien's Tongi facility based on purchase orders from Sandoz AG, Switzerland. Stakeholders say the agreement has opened new opportunities to expand Bangladesh's pharmaceutical exports to markets in Europe, North America, and South America in the future.
Speaking virtually at the event, Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said, "Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry is now establishing a strong position in the global market. Exporting medicines to a highly regulated market like Canada reflects our international standards and capabilities." He also highlighted Nevien's partnership with Sandoz as a successful example of international cooperation.
"This commitment to maintaining quality, made at the beginning of our new journey as Nevien, has now been validated through exports to Canada," said Musawat Shams Zaidi, Managing Director of Nevien Life Science.
Notably, the company began its journey in Bangladesh in 1973 as Ciba-Geigy and later became Novartis Bangladesh Limited in 1996. In 2025, leading local pharmaceutical manufacturer Radiant Pharmaceuticals acquired a majority stake in the company, after which it was renamed Nevien Life Science PLC. The Tongi facility is certified under European Union GMP (EU-GMP), ensuring compliance with international manufacturing standards.
Among others, Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury and Sandoz Canada Supply Planning Specialist Sampson Lam also spoke at the event. Experts believe this achievement will further enhance global confidence in Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector and play an important role in boosting foreign exchange earnings.
