As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance drug security and achieve self-sufficiency in the pharmaceutical industry—and in continuation of its active community role—Prof. Dr. Mohamed Etman, PUA’s Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, received a delegation from the Chamber of Commerce. The delegation included Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud, Head of the Chamber’s Pharmacy Owners Division, as well as Dr. Mohamed Abdeen and Dr. Mohamed Hamed, members of the division. The visit focused on exploring avenues for cooperation in localizing the pharmaceutical raw materials industry in Egypt.

The meeting underscored the critical importance of localizing this strategic sector, especially in light of global challenges that have highlighted the vulnerability of relying on imports—as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly disrupted pharmaceutical supply chains. Participants emphasized the urgency of reducing dependence on foreign sources and strengthening domestic capabilities to produce raw materials, thereby ensuring the continuous availability of essential medicines and safeguarding national drug security.

In addition to these goals, the meeting explored the potential benefits of localizing production, such as easing pressure on foreign currency reserves and creating export opportunities in Arab and African markets. Egypt’s low labor costs and geographic proximity to these regions offer a competitive advantage.

The discussion also reviewed several proposed implementation steps, including offering incentives and facilities to local investors, fostering alliances among leading pharmaceutical companies, and leveraging the capabilities of public sector entities such as El Nasr Chemicals Company to support this national initiative.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to begin by producing widely used pharmaceutical raw materials, including paracetamol and ketoprofen, due to their high domestic demand and ease of local manufacturing. This step represents a promising move toward localizing pharmaceutical production in Egypt and enhancing the country’s resilience against future global disruptions.