The global business and trade landscape, which is responsible for making products from around the world available everywhere, is a critical segment in today’s world. Adeptly addressing challenges of product shortages through imports and exports, this sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the modern consumer behavior, meeting the growing demands for products of various kinds. Within the pharmaceuticals, healthcare and consumer goods segments, these businesses hold an even more significant importance, ensuring that necessary medicines and healthcare supplies are available to the masses.
Pioneering this segment since 1991 through impeccable business acumen and a drive to enhance Myanmar’s pharma and healthcare products segment is Javed Lujee, Founder & Managing Director of FAIRDEAL. Established in light of addressing Myanmar’s pressing challenge in securing reliable pharmaceuticals distribution services, the company under Lujee's supervision has grown to become one of the largest Pharmaceutical, and Healthcare products distribution chain in Myanmar and Cambodia.
Laying the Foundation
Javed’s early exposure into the business world came after he completed his education from England and moved to Thailand to join his family’s business. Gaining practical experience and learning the ins and outs of business bolstered his confidence further, leading him to establish FAIRDEAL in Myanmar- taking his first step towards serving the nation’s healthcare industry.
At this time, while the country grappled with the lack of reliable pharmaceuticals distribution services, which was hindering the accessibility of medicines to hospitals, pharmacies, and end users; FAIRDEAL emerged as a solution, having established strong connections with a Swiss pharma manufacturer, Ciba-Geigy. This partnership proved fruitful, allowing the firm to address the challenge by importing healthcare products. A critical partnership with Kotra Pharma-Malaysia stands out as the collective synergistic efforts and commitment are vividly reflected in the accolades received, particularly in the flagship brand- Appeton, a leader in the child health supplement category, maintaining a dominant market position for decades.
Over the years, the company continued to expand gradually, enhancing its infrastructure to better serve the country, and acquired the top position in no time, and expanded into the Cambodian market in 2011. Although he has faced several challenges such as the supply chain disruptions caused by COVID and the later civil unrest in Myanmar which further hindered operations, as some recent examples, Javed has continued to flourish in the industry as a result of his clear vision, and strategic growth of its market share by introducing quality brands and fostering valuable partnerships.
“At FAIRDEAL, our foundational principle is "Health Empowerment through Reliable Access." We are dedicated to ensuring that every individual has dependable access to high-quality pharmaceuticals, fostering a healthier and more resilient society. This principle underlines our commitment to positively impact lives by prioritizing accessibility, reliability, and ethical distribution practices. Moreover, embracing business challenges as integral aspects of our promising journey has strengthened us, equipping us with greater confidence”, shares Javed Lujee, Co-Founder & MD, FAIRDEAL.
Envisioning Dynamic Growth
As a visionary leader, Javed has retained a proactive attitude towards continually investing in the company’s infrastructure, incorporating state-of-the-art warehouses, compliance with industry best practices, embracing technological advancements such as the ERP System, Distribution Management Systems, and other relevant advancements across its branches in Myanmar and Cambodia.
Success is not a linear path; it demands considerable hard work, unwavering commitment, & disciplined effort
This dynamic approach for growth and development led to the launch of a sister company - Lujee Venture Capital which expanded the company’s presence into the retail sector. The introduction of LIFEPLUS Health and Beauty Retail in 2019 marked another significant milestone for the Company. This venture expanded rapidly, with over 43 outlets spread across key cities and there’s a target to open 100 stores in the next two years. Since its inception three decades ago, the company has collaborated with over 50 global partners, cementing strong relationships which pumped FAIRDEAL to reach the top. Today, FAIRDEAL is among the fastest growing market expansion and distribution companies in Myanmar and Cambodia for pharmaceuticals, healthcare and consumer products.
Achieving this kind of success is a labor of having a visionary approach and determination to continually outperform expectations. Javed’s visionary approach which has led him to his achievements centers around continuous learning and adaptability, prioritizing the ever-evolving market needs and finding innovative solutions to address them. Fostering a creative culture within his organization, he focuses on ensuring his company follows ethical business practices while creating solutions that ensure that the business remains strategically positioned for sustainability. Having expanded so greatly, the company has also laid down some ambitious plans for the coming years, including an expansion into the Indo-Chinese, Laos, and Vietnamese markets remaining a priority.
Drawing from his experience and wisdom, garnered over the years, Javed lastly shares his advice to upcoming entrepreneurs. He shares, “Success is not a linear path; it demands considerable hard work, unwavering commitment, and disciplined effort. My advice to aspiring young entrepreneurs is to prioritize continuous learning, embrace resilience in the face of challenges, build a business around genuine passion, foster innovation, cultivate a strong network, and maintain a customer-centric focus. Effective communication, team building, financial acumen, and ethical leadership are essential elements for long-term success. Always stay adaptable, open to new ideas, and committed to personal and professional growth.”