A Germany-based analytical instrumentation firm sees bright market prospects in the Philippines in light of a national thrust to boost mining production and develop a local pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

Analytic Jena AG sees the Philippines with considerable market potential due to foreseen big investments in the mining sector which would require analysis of the presence of elements in mineral ore and in the drug-making sector, needing tools in active ingredients analysis.

"We've seen the market here increase over the last couple of years. We are so successful as we have products that are unique to us. The company is still quite new here in the analytical field, but we've been taking a good share of the market," said Oliver Buettel, Analytic Jena area manager-Far East, in an interview at an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) seminar.

AAS is a technique to analyze the concentration of elements such as copper, nickel, manganese, and gold in a sample which is essential to quick assessment of the potential of a mining prospect.

Buettel said these equipment are also critical in the growing pharmaceutical and food industries in the country as well as any industry requiring compliance with environmental laws.

Necy P. Gallarde of Analytik Jena partner Brownstone Asia-Tech, said that in light of the improving prospect in herbal medicine, government institutions involved in drug development are requiring analytical instruments for determining toxins in a potential drug. Filipino drug firm United Laboratories Inc. and research and development-based institutions, including the University of the Philippines, have completed purchase agreements with the company, Gallarde said.

"Pharmaceutical product manufacturers need to determine impurities in their drugs," she said.
With the important role of food safety in the carbonated drinks business, Coca Cola has also partnered with the company.

For environmental compliance, companies also have to test their waste water discharge and would need tools to detect heavy meals in their water.

Detection of heavy metals is also necessary in the food sector, particularly used as a safety procedure in importing food, Buettel said.

Analytik Jena, also present in Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and North East Asian countries, claims to have the unique High Resolution Continuum Source atomic absorption spectroscopy facility, a system in determining the presence of metal and other elements that can exceed capabilities of other systems in the market.

Gallarde said the company sees at least a 10 percent growth in the market this year.