Egypt's Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem held an extensive meeting with the Chamber of Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics and Medical Supplies Industries to discuss challenges and measures to strengthen performance and exports. The meeting was attended by the chamber's chairperson, board members, and Export Council representatives. Hashem reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to the sector as a strategic priority.
Khaled Hashem, Egypt's Minister of Industry, emphasized that medical industries are a strategic priority sector, encompassing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, medical devices, dietary supplements, and veterinary products. He highlighted efforts to encourage pharmaceutical companies to expand local production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), positioning Egypt as a regional hub for manufacturing and exporting these inputs.
Discussions centered on key demands, including support for manufacturers to obtain European quality certifications for entry into Gulf and international markets. Participants stressed upgrading production facilities, adopting advanced technologies, improving access to international financing, streamlining local content certificates from the Industrial Development Authority, and strengthening links between scientific research and industrial production.
Hashem directed enhanced coordination with relevant authorities to provide technical support for companies seeking internationally recognized certifications, especially European ones. He stated that such consultative meetings with industrial chambers will be held regularly to monitor sector needs and challenges, with the ministry continuing to improve the regulatory and operational environment.
El-Leithy, the chamber's chairperson, described the pharmaceutical sector as one of Egypt's most promising industries with strong potential to significantly boost exports to regional markets. He underscored the importance of consulting the chamber before issuing decisions affecting the sector, in line with its advisory role under the law governing industrial chambers.