Ebeid calls for Arab agreement to face world pharmaceutical blocs

Egypt's Prime Minister Atef Ebeid called on Arab pharmaceutical producers to conclude an agreement and boost inter-cooperation to face the world mega companies working in this field and also to liberalize trade in a way that pushes forward this strategic industry.

Ebeid expressed conviction that Arab pharmaceutical market will be promising within the coming period in light of the growth of Arab world population by 2.5 per cent annually.

Half of the Arab population is almost under ten or above 60 years and accordingly they are in need of many medicines, Ebeid added.

Addressing a seminar yesterday on the future of the Arab pharmaceutical industry, Ebeid said all Arab states should attach importance to the health services and allocate part of their spending to such services.

The seminar is organized by Arab Federation for Pharmaceutical producers in cooperation with Arab Economic Unity Council.

Minister of Health Ismail Sallam said the government is paying due attention to the health care which is witnessing a leap forward during President Hosni Mubarak's era.

Sallam pointed out the whole Arab medicine market in 2000 dealt in medicine worth $ 4.6 billion and Egypt contributed by $ 1400 million with a rate of 1.3 per cent of the world trade in this field.