The $9 Billion Paradox of Vietnam’s Pharmaceutical Industry: The Value of the 10 Largest Companies Still Lags Behind One Indonesian ‘Giant’

Indonesia’s largest pharmaceutical company is valued more than the combined total of the 10 largest Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies. PT Kalbe Farma Tbk has a market capitalization of approximately $3.9 billion, while Vietnam’s largest company, DHG, has only $511 million. Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market reached $8.9 billion, ranking second in Southeast Asia, but remains fragmented with many companies focusing on low-margin generic drugs. In contrast, companies like Kalbe invest heavily in R&D and product diversity. Although both countries import raw materials, Kalbe excels in offering a range of diverse products. Amid a decline in revenue and profits for several Vietnamese companies, the pharmaceutical sector still attracts foreign investment through M&A transactions. The recently revised Drug Law, effective July 2025, is expected to boost Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector by improving the business environment and ensuring quality drug access for the population.

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