Engineer Khaled Hashem, the Minister of Industry, held an extensive meeting with Dr. Gamal El-Liethi, the head of the Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industry and Cosmetics, along with members of the chamber and representatives from the Export Council for Medical Industries. The meeting addressed the main challenges and needs required to advance the sector and enhance its export capacity in the upcoming phase, attended by Dr. Khaled Abdel Azim, the Executive Director of the Federation of Industries, Engineer Mohamed Zada, Assistant Minister of Industry for Strategic Industries, and several ministry leaders.
The minister emphasized at the beginning of the meeting that the medical industries sector is one of the important strategic sectors, encompassing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical supplies, devices, dietary supplements, and veterinary industries. He stressed the ministry's commitment to supporting and deepening the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, contributing to transforming Egypt into a regional center for manufacturing and exporting these materials to regional markets.
Details of the Meeting
The meeting reviewed the sector's main demands, which included supporting factories in obtaining European quality certifications to facilitate product access to Gulf markets, improving the efficiency of existing factories, and transferring modern manufacturing technologies. The discussion also touched on facilitating companies' access to funding from international entities, as well as easing the procedures for obtaining local component certificates and enhancing the linkage between scientific research and industry needs.
The minister directed coordination with the Egyptian Drug Authority and the National Accreditation Council to provide the necessary technical support for pharmaceutical companies, contributing to their qualification for obtaining international and European accreditation certificates. He noted that these meetings will be held periodically with various industrial chambers to follow up on their needs and work on resolving them in coordination with relevant authorities, supporting the development of national industry and increasing its competitiveness.
Background & Context
The Egyptian government has been striving for several years to enhance the role of the industrial sector in the national economy, especially in strategic fields such as pharmaceutical manufacturing. This direction comes in light of the increasing need to provide medicines and medical supplies locally, reducing reliance on imports and enhancing Egypt's competitiveness in regional markets.
Moreover, developing the pharmaceutical industry sector aligns with Egypt's Vision 2030, which aims to achieve sustainable development and promote innovation across various sectors. These steps are part of the government's efforts to attract foreign and local investments in this vital field.
Impact & Consequences
These measures are expected to enhance Egyptian pharmaceutical exports, positively impacting the national economy. Additionally, improving product quality and increasing competitiveness will help open new markets for Egyptian products abroad.
Furthermore, supporting scientific research and technology in the pharmaceutical industry will enhance Egyptian companies' ability to innovate and develop new products that meet the needs of both local and international markets.
Regional Significance
Transforming Egypt into a regional hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing may contribute to strengthening cooperation among Arab countries in this sector, facilitating the exchange of expertise and technology. A strong center in Egypt could also help meet the needs of neighboring countries for medicines and medical supplies, enhancing health security in the region.
In conclusion, these steps represent a new beginning for the pharmaceutical industry in Egypt, as the government seeks to achieve ambitious goals that enhance Egypt's position on the global pharmaceutical industry map.