Jordan has launched a significant new project aimed at bolstering the country’s pharmaceutical industry.
This initiative, which involves the Ministries of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Investment, and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA), has received substantial support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, as well as funding from the Netherlands government. It is set to enhance the sector’s capabilities and global competitiveness, aligning with Jordan’s broader economic modernization goals.
The project was introduced at a launch event attended by key stakeholders, including Minister of Industry and Trade Yousef Shamali, Minister of Investment Kholoud Saqqaf, the JFDA Director General Nizar Mahidat, and representatives from the Netherlands and the IFC.
Shamali opened the event by highlighting Jordan’s established position as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry within the Arab world. Since the establishment of Jordan’s first pharmaceutical factory in 1
966, the sector has grown significantly. Today, there are 139 pharmaceutical establishments in Jordan, employing approximately 9,500 individuals. The sector’s products are exported to over 78 markets worldwide. In 2023, the pharmaceutical sector’s exports reached JD748.4 million, reflecting a 7 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Shamali emphasized the importance of the pharmaceutical industry as a cornerstone of Jordan’s industrial sector, noting its critical role in supporting the national economy and gross domestic product (GDP).
He outlined the government’s commitment to advancing the sector through various strategic initiatives, including those detailed in the Industrial Policy for 2024-2028. This policy focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian industries, increasing their contribution to economic development, and boosting exports.
A key component of the new project involves several initiatives aimed at promoting Jordanian pharmaceutical products and improving productivity. Th
is includes facilitating the production of biological medicines, biotechnology drugs, and biosimilars. Additionally, there are plans to support the JFDA’s efforts to join the World Inspection Organization and enhance its international evaluation rankings. The project also aims to support research and development within the pharmaceutical sector and establish a center for pharmaceutical studies and research in Jordanian universities.
Shamali said that recent amendments to the regulations for registering biological medicines are intended to ensure the continued availability of these products both locally and in export markets. A new regulatory system for examining medical supplies and medicines was published in the Official Gazette last month, aimed at streamlining procedures and enhancing the quality of pharmaceutical products.
Minister of Investment Kholoud Saqqaf spoke about the project’s alignment with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. She underscored the initiative’s potential to position Jordan as
a regional hub for pharmaceutical industries, enhancing both local and global presence.
Saqqaf highlighted the sector’s significant role in the kingdom’s economic strategy, noting its potential to attract foreign investment and stimulate local economic growth.
She also mentioned recent efforts by the Ministry of Investment to create a favorable environment for investment, including developing new legislation and launching the Investment Promotion Strategy (2023-2026), which identifies high-value sectors and investment opportunities.
Nizar Mahidat, Director General of the JFDA, reinforced the project’s alignment with national objectives to boost local pharmaceutical production and create new export markets.
He outlined the JFDA’s new Drug Inspection System No. (40) of 2024, designed to enhance drug safety and quality through improved regulatory practices. This system aims to align with international standards and support the accreditation of Jordan’s Drug Control Laboratory for comprehensive drug testing.
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ftab Ahmed, Regional Director for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Afghanistan at the IFC, emphasized the high quality and value of Jordanian pharmaceutical products. He noted the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy and identified further opportunities for support and growth.
Source: Jordan News Agency
