The Egyptian pharmaceutical sector recently convened to discuss the challenges of exporting to Africa and potential solutions to boost competitiveness. The meeting, organized by the General Pharmaceutical Committee of the Egyptian Federation of Chambers of Commerce, brought together representatives from pharmaceutical and supplement companies, as well as officials from the Egyptian Drug Authority. The discussion focused on the regulatory and procedural obstacles that Egyptian companies face when trying to expand into African markets.
One of the key challenges identified during the meeting was the need to extend the validity period of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificates, which are required for export purposes. Currently, these certificates have a limited validity period, which can create unnecessary burdens and repetitive procedures for companies. The participants urged the Egyptian Drug Authority to consider extending the validity period of these certificates to make it easier for companies to respond to the needs of external markets.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of streamlining export procedures, particularly with regards to coordination with the Ministry of Finance. The participants emphasized the need for a single entity to oversee the completion of export-related procedures, which would help reduce the time and cost associated with shipping and exporting. This, in turn, would enable Egyptian companies to be more competitive in the global market.
The participants also stressed the importance of continued dialogue between the private sector and regulatory authorities to address the multiple requirements associated with registering products and exporting them to African markets. They agreed to hold regular meetings to monitor the challenges faced by companies operating in the pharmaceutical and supplement sectors and to develop implementable solutions in coordination with relevant government and regulatory authorities.
The meeting resulted in several recommendations, including the need to enhance communication with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and commercial attachés in African countries to support national companies and provide more accurate guidance on market requirements. The participants also emphasized the importance of conducting thorough market research to understand the specific needs and regulatory requirements of each African market.
The meeting was attended by several prominent figures in the pharmaceutical sector, including Dr. Ali Aouf, head of the General Pharmaceutical Committee, and Dr. Youssef Mansy, chairman of the board of directors of DAF Digital Solutions. The participants represented a range of companies and organizations, including GS1 Egypt and the Cairo Pharmacists' Syndicate.
The discussion reflects the sector's efforts to support the competitiveness of Egypt's pharmaceutical industry and enhance its access to external markets, particularly in Africa. The sector sees significant opportunities for growth in the African market, and the meeting aimed to identify solutions to the challenges that Egyptian companies face when exporting to the continent.
Key points
- The Egyptian pharmaceutical sector seeks to boost its exports to Africa by addressing regulatory and procedural challenges.
- The sector calls for extending the validity period of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certificates to reduce burdens on companies.
- The sector emphasizes the need for streamlined export procedures and continued dialogue with regulatory authorities.
