The 5th Mena Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Congress and Exhibition kicked off today (Dec 4) at the Voco Hotel, Riyadh, shedding light on technological innovations, investment opportunities and developments in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

The three-day congress with the theme – ‘Improving pharmaceutical manufacturing through innovative strategies and knowledge’ – will discuss key innovations, challenges and opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and the Mena region in general.  

Dr Moureq Alotaibi, president of Saudi Pharmaceutical Society, and Dr Faisal Bin Dail, chairman of National Committee for Pharmaceutical Industries and the Scientific Committee Chairman of the Congress opened the congress which brought together 360 delegates from 13 countries and 155 local and international pharmaceutical companies.

The event will discuss topics including localisation of pharmaceutical industry, Top Quartile pharmaceutical manufacturing in Saudi Vision 2030, API Local Manufacturing, and Regulatory standards for state of the art pharma manufacturers.

Dr Alotaibi said: “The Saudi Pharmaceutical Society is delighted to support such a great activity aiming to spread knowledge and connect the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing industry in the kingdom and the region to further support the kingdom Vision 2030 towards medication safety and security.”

Dr Faisal Bin Dail added: “Despite all challenges and obstacles facing local pharma industry, it has grown this year to reach 25 per cent up from 20 per cent the year before. This came as a result of joint efforts between all stakeholders in the pharma industry both government and private sectors.”

Dr Hatem Abuelizz, vice president of Business Development, CAD Middle East Pharmaceutical Industries and Scientific Committee co-chairman, said: “This is the site where all pharma manufactures meet. We exchange thoughts, updates and understanding of the pharma market and regulations. I suggest this conference to everyone interested in growing his business because it is where science and business meet. I hope it continues yearly and grow with the participation of all Mena manufacturers to aid in growing the pharma market in the region.”

The congress features an exhibition area for showcasing the newest pharma manufacturing equipment, materials used at various manufacturing stages, raw materials suppliers, regional manufacturers, contract manufacturers and more.

Organised by Maarefah Management, with support from the National Committee for Pharmaceutical Industries (NCPI) and Saudi Pharmaceutical Society (SPS), the event is sponsored by A.T. Kearney, Glatt, Emerson & Thomas Engineering. – TradeArabia News Service