The meeting explored the challenges facing the sector and
ways to increase exports of medical and pharmaceutical products, especially to
the Dark Continent.
Cairo- May 24, 2021
Minister of Trade and Industry Nevine Gamea has participated
in a strategy conference, organized by the Export Council of Medical Industries,
to increase drug exports to Africa.
The meeting included representatives of the Senate health committee;
the ministries of finance, foreign affairs and health; in addition to
pharmaceutical, medical and cosmetic companies.
“The ministry is keen to promote pharmaceutical industries,
being one of the key industrial sectors in the Egyptian economy,” Gamea said.
During the meeting, the minister responded to inquiries and demands
by pharmaceutical companies about the government initiative to pay
export-subsidy arrears, discussed banking problems facing exports to Africa and
proposals to establish permanent logistical centers in African capitals and
cities.
She added that, for the first time, pharmaceutical industries
will be included among the sectors benefiting from the new export support program,
and that support for land, sea and air freight for exports to Africa will be
increased to about 80% instead of 50% in the old one.
According to official figures, exports of the medical sector
(including: drugs, medical supplies and cosmetics) increased to $176 million in
the first quarter of this year, up 47% from the $118 million in 2020.